Transforming Stroke Recovery

A New Collaboration with Ghent University

At Valkyrie Industries, our new mission is to create a recovery process for stroke survivors through the integration of XR technologies. Our latest initiative, in collaboration with Ghent University, aims to transform the landscape of neurorehabilitation by combining Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), Virtual Reality (VR), and motion tracking into a comprehensive system.

The Current Challenges in Stroke Recovery

According to the UK National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke, patients with motor recovery goals undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke should receive a minimum of 3 hours of multidisciplinary therapy a day and for undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke should be supported to remain active for up to 6 hours a day. However, the reality for many stroke survivors falls short, with patients often receiving as little as 37 minutes of therapy per day, and only 7.9 minutes focused on upper limb rehabilitation. This gap in therapy time contributes to the challenges many patients face in regaining independence and quality of life.

Furthermore, 45% of stroke survivors report feeling abandoned after leaving the hospital, highlighting the critical need for more accessible and effective rehabilitation solutions.

The Power of Task-Specific Training and NMES

Research shows that stroke rehabilitation is most effective when it involves repetitive, task-specific movements that are meaningful to the patient. By focusing on tasks that survivors wish to relearn, and employing various strategies to complete these tasks, rehabilitation can become more targeted and effective.

NMES plays a crucial role in this process by stimulating muscle contractions through electrical impulses. This technique can help achieve joint ranging, muscle stretching, and neuroplasticity—key elements in the recovery process. NMES also aids in pain management, spasticity reduction, and functional training, all of which are vital for stroke survivors.

The Potential of VR in Stroke Rehabilitation

VR technology offers a versatile and engaging solution for stroke rehabilitation, capable of meeting the therapeutic needs of patients at all stages of stroke recovery. By creating enriched environments that motivate and engage patients, VR can enhance the therapy dose, facilitate task-oriented training, and improve accessibility.

The combination of NMES with VR has the potential to drive neuroplasticity, improve upper motor neuron recruitment, and provide sensory retraining, making it an invaluable tool in modern rehabilitation.

Our Partnership with Ghent University

Ghent University and our team collaborated on a pre-test session at their rehabilitation centre. We have developed a system that combines NMES, VR, and motion tracking into a single platform. This system aims to provide efficient virtual therapy for stroke survivors. The initial pre-test received positive feedback, showcasing the potential of this approach to enhance the recovery process.