The “Human Extremity Robotic Rehabilitation and Outcome Enhancement for Stroke” (HEROES) project aims to investigate and promote neuroplasticity after chronic stroke with severe motor disability. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to reorganize and regain function and we use the interface between man and machine to achieve that. The project includes non-invasive technologies and the long-term goal is to use them as tools for successful clinical rehabilitation of post-stroke patients.
What technologies does the HEROES project include?
The technologies of the program are non-invasive and based on robotic systems. Specifically, the intervention includes brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and robotic arms, virtual environments, wearable soft robotics, and audio/visual/tactile stimuli. Serious gaming applications are also used to enhance patient‘s motivation and focus. Furthermore, electromyography (EMG) and electrical stimulation constitute part of HEROES, as tools for motor rehabilitation. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and high-density electroencephalography are techniques used to demonstrate and monitor the plasticity of the neural system.