MS Society backs research project looking at how technology can be used to increase participation in exercise and improve upper limb function.
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| Amy Webster’s MSc project tested serious games as a means to increasing participation in exercise. |
A Glasgow School of Art Medical Visualisation and Human Anatomy graduate, Amy Webster, has secured a funding commitment from the MS Society to take forward her research into the use of 3D digital technology for upper limb rehabilitation for people with Multiple Sclerosis, working with Lorna Paul, Professor in Allied Health Science at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Long-term exercise can be effective in helping upper limb problems, which are very common in people with MS, affecting up tothree quarters of those with the condition. This can lead to difficulties in carrying out activities of daily living such as doing up buttons or lifting a cup.
As an MSc student Amy worked with a group of people living with MS to develop a series of interactive, 3D digital games using the Leap Motion system in which a small sensor tracks hand movement. Feedback from the group was very positive including many suggestions for further development.
Now with the support of the MS Society Amy will take this research forward in a Glasgow Caledonian University-GSA PhD project. She will investigate further whether innovative technology such as Virtual Reality (VR) has the potential to be a form of upper limb rehabilitation for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) testing a series of games that use a virtualreality environment (with or without a VR headset).
“The games are designed to be fun and engaging,and to give real time feedback to users,” explains Amy. “This should help to encourage people to commit long-term to an exerciseprogramme and ultimately improve or at least maintain upper limb function.”
“Over the period of the research we will understand more about motivation and how we can help people living with MS to reap the known benefits of long-term exercise.”
Morna Simpkins, Director of MS Society Scotland, said:
“We are pleased to be investing into this exciting new project in Glasgow as we continue to push for more and better treatments for everyone with MS.
“The dedication of MS researchers in Scotland and these kinds of projects have the potential to have a huge impact on the field of MS research. We believe that with continued funding they can ultimately help us stop MS.”
Amy’s main PhD supervisor will be Professor Lorna Paul of Glasgow Caledonian University with additional supervision from Dr Matthieu Poyade of the GSA’s School of Simulation and Visualisation.
“Technology opens up lots of opportunities in rehabilitation and through VR we can improve the rehab we are giving to people with MS, making it much more personalised, motivating, fun and engaging which encourages people to do more and get better outcomes,”says Professor Paul.
“The project brings together GCU’s clinical physiotherapy knowledge with the visualisation expertise at GSA.”
“The Glasgow school of Art is in the forefront of 3D digital research investigating how the technology can be harnessed to bring tangible benefits for society,” adds Dr Poyade.
“Amy’s MSc research highlighted that there was definite potential in using digital technology and serious games to help people living with MS reap the benefits of long-term exercise. This important support from the MS Society will mean that she can take her research forward for the benefit of people with Multiple Sclerosis.”
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For further information on Glasgow Caledonian University contact
Janice Burns, Senior Communications Officer (0)141 331 3416 / janice.burns@gcu.ac.uk
For further information on The Glasgow School of Art contact:
Lesley Booth, 0779 941 4474 / press@gsa.ac.uk
Notes for Editors
Glasgow Caledonian University Department of Physiotherapy and Paramedicine
Amy Webster will be part of the Stroke and Other Neurological Conditions Research Group within GCU which is a transdisciplinary research group, comprising 56 members including 18 PhD researchers. Since 2017, the group have secured funding support – £17.6M (of which £8.3M is GCU led) through highly competitive awards, published in leading journals, including The Lancet and Stroke, and have had research output incorporated into clinical guidelines across the world.
The School of Simulation and Visualisation (SimVis)
The School of Simulation and Visualisation (SimVis) at The Glasgow School of Art currently specialises in undergraduate teaching, postgraduate teaching and research. It has been a leader in research and development within the field of high-end 3D simulation and visualisation since 1997. Working with EU and UK Research Councils, Government departments and blue-chip companies, SimVis has created advanced visualisations for the Heritage Sector as well as various industries including the automotive, built environment, shipbuilding and medical sectors. SimVis has a strong background in the heritage and medical visualisation sector, and has produced ground breaking visualisations of the historic environment as well as highly accurate 3D anatomical models for medical education and research.