A more expensive and technically complex version of mirror therapy. Why would this be any better than using a mirror?
http://www.odt.co.nz/campus/university-otago/256315/fooling-brain-restoring-hand-use
Some stroke victims may eventually recover lost hand
function thanks to smart new computer system designed to fool
the brain.
University of Otago information science PhD graduand Simon
Hoermann, working closely with a large Otago
interdisciplinary team including
researchers in information science, psychology, physiotherapy
and clinical neurology, has helped develop the system.
This ''augmented reflection technology'' aims to use visual
illusions to improve rehabilitation outcomes after stroke.
''We are fooling the brain, and the brain is tricked into
recovery,'' he said.
When one hand works well but the other does not, patients are
invited to hide their hands in a box, which is part of the
computerised system.
Images of both hands are then shown on a computer screen,
suggesting to the brain that the initially immobile hand is
also moving when asked to do so.
This helps re-establish interactive links between the eyes,
hand and brain.
During the research, six people who had experienced chronic
loss of movement in one hand as the result of a stroke tried
the system - with promising suggestions of improved movement
in three cases.
''I'm very excited,'' Mr Hoermann said about his research.
''Now we should get the research out there to the people.''
He aimed to bring the technology to ''patients in the
hospital'' so they could use it shortly after a stroke, as
part of their rehabilitation.
Stroke is the leading cause of serious adult disability in
New Zealand.
Recovery of upper limb function is crucial to independence
and self care, but most patients never regain it and remain
dependent on caregivers.
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