Sarah Newton

• BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Statistics
• Stroke recovery using virtual reality and motion tracking hardware

Strokes can affect the way a victim’s muscles work. The brain sends signals to the muscles through the nervous system so that they move. A stroke damages the brain, hence damages the muscles. After the stroke has occurred, the muscle problems can improve without rehabilitation. Exercise can help the patient regain muscle strength. This research involves investigating two sets of hardware, Oculus Rift and Kinect 2. These are virtual reality and motion tracking hardware. The aim is to create a prototype of a game that helps patients recovering from a stroke. The prototype helps rehabilitate the arm affected by the stroke. This provides a way for a patient to exercise with a fun element of scoring. Using the hardware provided, the patient can immerse themselves in the game world. As a result they can find a way to enjoy the rehabilitation process.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Dr Gary Ushaw