The Magic Mirror - showing patients how their normal movements would look like

Evidence shows that visualisation of normal movement in place of an abnormally moving limb has beneficial effects on recovery in several conditions like phantom limb pain, chronic regional pain syndrome, stroke and cerebral palsy. In unilateral conditions the patient’s own normal movements can be used as reference, but many patients with bilateral movement problems since birth (e.g. cerebral palsy) have no such internal references of normality. Artificial neural networks can be used to recall a normal movement pattern which matches the patient’s movement best. Combined with real time virtual reality visualisation, powerful graphical interactive applications can be developed. This project builds on our recognised expertise with artificial neural networks in biomechanics and on our track record with virtual rehabilitation using the CAREN system (www.motekmedical.com). Our clinical collaborators in the NHS bring an applied aspect to this unique research project.