International collaboration explores new technology to increase accessibility for stroke patients

The PiNG lab has recently formed a fascinating new collaboration with Tech3 Lab at HEC Montreal, thanks to the generous endorsement from M. Jean Chagnon. This has allowed the assessment and development of new technologies for assisting clinical populations.

HEC Montreal PhD student Felix Giroux and University of Oxford DPhil student Camille Lasbareilles have been working on an exciting project assessing the usability of a motion sensor in controlling a computer cursor as a replacement for the standard computer mouse. This technology is aimed at clinical (stroke) populations who cannot use a computer mouse to its full extent. Preliminary findings show promise, but the method requires fine-tuning before being implemented more widely as an assistive technology. For example, while the stroke patients acknowledged the potential of such an assistive technology in everyday life and rehabilitation, they found using the motion sensor fatiguing. However, the patients suggested that increasing the motion sensor’s sensitivity such that smaller limb movements translate to greater cursor movements would be beneficial.

Felix and Camille will continue their Oxford-Montreal collaboration across the Atlantic to fine-tune this promising technology.