V-Health: Gamified immersive functional electrical stimulation system for efficient upper limb neurorehabilitation

This project is focused on developing a new technology for upper limb neurorehabilitation combining functional electrical stimulation (FES) and extended reality (XR) - **v-health**. We propose that XR will improve engagement and motivation through immersive gamification, in addition to improved task performance through the use of FES. Together, they will enable an increase in movement repetition, which will improve motor learning and ultimately greater functional recovery. The unique combination of these methods, developed by Valkyrie Industries, can close the brain-to-movement feedback loop, further improving rehabilitation efficiency, reducing time in the hospital, and freeing up the clinician's resources.

This project builds upon Valkyrie's patented technology, applied previously to improving fitness routines for healthy individuals. We have been working with therapists from King's College London, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Hobbs Rehabilitation and many others, to quickly iterate on games and software and develop technology that brings most value both for the stroke survivors and to therapists. Last year, we carried out first in human investigation / user experience study with stroke and spinal cord injury patients and received positive reviews, and now are looking to optimise the software package and run the pilot stage clinical investigation (early feasibility & traditional feasibility investigations) and explore the efficacy of our system.

Valkyrie is supported by one of the largest manufacturers of wearable devices in the world, and on the way to obtain CE/FDA certification.

Valkyrie's track record in delivering innovation together with the KCL's academic and GSTT's clinical experience ensures the project will bring value to the patients and clinics ASAP. If successful, this project could provide accessible, entertaining, additional arm training for stroke survivors to improve recovery and thereby their independence and quality of life.