Therapy IT-Platform Improves Motor Function in Young People with Cerebral Palsy

Mirrorable is a home-based therapy programme based on Action Observation Treatment, which states that by observing and imitating the actions of others we trigger specific neurons in our own brain. Young stroke survivors are paired via a video platform and undertake tasks together to improve motor skills.

Fightthestroke, an Italian social enterprise founded in 2014, has developed an online platform called ‘Mirrorable’ to support rehabilitation of young stroke survivors. Mirrorable is a home-based therapy programme based on Action Observation Treatment, which states that by observing and imitating the actions of others we trigger specific neurons in our own brain. Young stroke survivors are paired via a video platform and undertake tasks together to improve motor skills. A clinical trial on children with unilateral cerebral palsy has demonstrated an improvement in hand motor function compared to traditional rehabilitation, along with high levels of adherence and engagement.

Problems Targeted

There are few effective and accessible evidence-based solutions to help rehabilitate motor skills in the estimated 17 million children with cerebral palsy worldwide.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The Mirrorable platform uses the scenario of learning to become a magician to encourage young stroke survivors to practice motor skills every day for a month. Children in the Mirrorable’s clinical trial received a toolkit with a computer, a 3D camera, and selection of booklets and magic tricks. They used these to imitate the magician in videos on a cloud-based platform. They were also matched with peers via video link to practice together and learn from each other. The IT-platform uses an algorithm to ensure the best possible match in terms of motor skills, cognitive abilities, etc. to support reciprocal teaching and rehabilitation. The gaming approach of Mirrorable increases the appeal for children and encourages them to practice. In the market version, the 3D camera has been replaced by artificial intelligence technology which tracks and records the child’s movements and emotions so that progress can be measured by the child, family members, and health professionals. Results of a clinical trial, presented in 2018, showed a 26 per cent improvement in motor function, increased family engagement, and 100 per cent adherence to the daily exercises.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Support developing Mirrorable and the clinical trial came from corporate fundraising (60 per cent), grants (20 per cent) and private donors (20 per cent). Following the trial Mirrorable is now developing a business model to bring the product to a wider market, while keeping prices as low as possible for families of young stroke survivors. Mirrorable’s cloud-based technology makes easily transferable, and the operating system is already available in Italian, Spanish and English. Fightthestroke is exploring whether the programme might be appropriate for other target groups, such as adult stroke survivors or people with Parkinson’s disease. Fightthestroke has also developed an offline programme to complement Mirrorable’s online platform, and held its first intensive Mirrorable sports camp for children with unilateral cerebral palsy in August 2018.

Pictures

A child being assessed by a neurologist.

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