Research advert shared on behalf of researchers at University College London
The Telerehabilitation decision support system (TeleRehab DSS) provides instructions for a range of exercises, including balance and gait exercises, physical activity, cognitive training, and exergames to enhance balance function. The program incorporates augmented reality, displaying holographics into your room via a lightweight headset, to present a virtual physiotherapist and the exergames, allowing for interactive engagement.
Additionally, body-worn sensors are used to evaluate and remotely monitor users' performance in completing the prescribed exercises. This enables us to provide a personalized, interactive programme that allows the physiotherapist to monitor patient progress and modify exercises remotely.
Are you eligible to participate in the focus group?
If you are interested in taking part, we will need to check whether you are eligible based on meeting ALL of the below criteria:
1. You are between 40-80 years of age.
2. You have received a clinical diagnosis of ONE of: 1) stroke, 2) mild cognitive impairment or 3) long covid-19
3. You can independently walk, with or without, a walking stick for a minimum of 500-meters.
4. No significant visual impairment.
5. No acute musculoskeletal injury or other injuries that would prevent you from participating in an exercise programme.
6. Do no have any other co-existing neurological conditions (ie. Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons’ Disease)
7. Does not have any language or communication deficits impairing their ability to communicate and/or express their thoughts.
8. Possess’ capacity to consent - able to understand and consent to participation.
What will be required of me?
First you will receive an initial screening call to determine your eligibility. Upon meeting the initial inclusion criteria, we will invite you to our clinic to complete the remaining eligibility screening, including the mobility, function and cognitive tests.
If you are deemed fully eligible, you will be randomised into either the intervention group or control group to complete a home-based balance rehabilitation programme. The intervention group will complete a home-based, remote balance rehabilitation program using augmented reality, with body motion tracking for real-time feedback. The control group will complete either the OTAGO home exercise programme, or a Vestibular rehabilitation program for Dizziness.
The program is to be completed 5-days/week, over 12-weeks, with weekly phone calls, and program reviews every 3-weeks.
Where & When
We welcome applicants across London, England. You will be required to attend the clinic for pre and post study assessments, at 33 Queen Square, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), WC1N 3BG.
The 12-week intervention will then take place in the comfort of your own home with remote monitoring by a trained physiotherapist.
Register your interest
If you are interested in participating, or have any questions, please contact, Brooke Nairn, at b.nairn@ucl.ac.uk
This study has been granted ethical approval to commence from the University College London RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE.
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