Use of a Novel Driving Simulator in Constraint-Induced Stroke Therapy

Principal Investigators: Machiel Van der Loos, PhD and Edward Taub, PhD. (Birmingham VA)

Project Staff: Charles G. Burgar, MD; Henry L. Lew, MD; and Peter S. Lum, PhD

Collaborators: Douglas F. Schwandt, MS; Eric L. Topp, MS; Gitendra Uswatte, PhD (Birmingham VA); and Victor Mark, MD (Birmingham VA)

Project Category: Stroke

This project proposes to build on the VA Pilot Project entitled, "Driver's SEAT: A Simulation Environment for Evaluation and Therapy", and test the effectiveness of a driving simulator, equipped with a novel split steering wheel, to provide a motivational task workstation for upper limb therapy for stroke survivors. Subjects will test Driver's SEAT in the context of a clinical study of Constraint-Induced Therapy, in which the steering wheel itself provides the constraint to the strong arm of a person with hemiparesis, rather than the constraint mitt that is used conventionally.

Milestones Accomplished:

• Merit review funding requested

Milestones for Remainder of Project:

• Development of new prototype and software
• Evaluation of Driver's SEAT in context of constraint-induced therapy

Funding Source: VA RR&D Merit Review Funding

Funding Status: Pending