Relearning the actions of everyday life after a stroke can be a real headache. A European team is developing a home rehabilitation system.
- One-third of stroke survivors have physical or cognitive disabilities
- European COGWATCH Project Reduces Mistakes When Brewing Tea By 54%
- Patients trained in the system are 20% faster than those in the control group
After a stroke, something as simple as pouring yourself a cup of tea can become overwhelming. European researchers have developed a device that helps cognitive rehabilitation. The COGWATCH project has received funding from the European Union. The trials lasted a little over 4 years. They allowed patients to perform more precise and faster gestures.
Sensors and tablets
In France, 8 million people have survived a stroke. But a third of them suffer from physical or cognitive sequelae. So much so that certain daily tasks represent a real challenge. These disabilities can be symptoms of apraxia or disorganization of action syndrome (ADS). If physical rehabilitation is now well applied, cognitive rehabilitation is still lacking.
The COGWATCH project uses intelligent systems that help the stroke survivor to re-educate themselves for daily tasks. The system consists of two tablets – one for the patient, the other for the doctor. Several sensors are placed under the objects used in the context of rehabilitation. As part of the randomized trial, the researchers chose a cup, a jug of milk, and a kettle. A high-rise camera makes it possible to observe the unfolding of events.
The patient selects the action he wants to take on his tablet. The recognition system is activated, and the various sensors indicate the procedure to follow. In the event of an error, audible, visual or text signals are sent. “For the patient, it is as if someone was there to guide him, while letting him act independently if he so wishes”, summarized in a press release Professor Alan Wing, coordinator of the project.
Watch the experiment of the project:
54% fewer errors
30 patients participated in the COGWATCH System trial between 1er November 2011 and February 28, 2015. Those who benefited from the device were faster and more precise in preparing tea than the volunteers in the control group. They made 54% fewer mistakes, and were 20% faster to get there.
The device is also proving valuable for doctors, who monitor the patient’s progress. Researchers hope it may help advance the return home after stroke. This would be beneficial both for the patient – who returns to a familiar environment – and for the care structures – which benefit from more free places.
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