Interactive Motor Imagery in Virtual Reality

This project will build and test the first rehabilitation system employing virtual reality (VR)-based observation, motor imagery and execution to treat lower-limb neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction in participants with an incomplete spinal cord injury or another neurological disorder, eg. stroke: iCTuS-L (Interactive Computer-based Therapy System for legs). Patients using the system will control virtual representations of their legs to engage in entertaining gaming interactions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 16 and 80
• clinically incomplete spinal cord injury (time since injury: chronic > 1 year; acute < 3 months)
• ASI C or D
• neuropathic pain and/or motor deficits
• diagnosed neurological disorder, eg. stroke

Exclusion Criteria:

• any disease limiting training
• epilepsy
• major depression or psychosis