Are you a stroke survivor looking for a way to regain movement in your arms? A revolutionary study at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) is inviting you to participate in an exciting research project using a brain-powered computer game!

Led by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Kathy Ruddy, the study aims to harness the power of your mind. Participants will don a cutting-edge wireless headset that detects brain activity, allowing them to control a game simply by imagining moving their affected arm.

Stroke is a major health crisis, being one of the leading causes of adult disability in Northern Ireland. With approximately 80% of survivors facing challenges in arm or hand mobility, the need for innovative rehabilitation solutions has never been more urgent.

Each year, nearly 3,000 people find themselves hospitalized after a stroke, while around 39,000 are recovering at home, often requiring support for everyday tasks like cooking, dressing, and writing. The charity Chest, Heart and Stroke highlights the immense struggles faced by these brave individuals.

Yet, there’s hope! The QUB research team is pioneering a method that could help stroke survivors reclaim their lives through the power of rehabilitation gaming.

"Our brains are incredibly adaptable," says Dr. Ruddy. "Through a process known as neuroplasticity, we can train different areas of the brain to take over functions that have been lost." This study explores a concept called 'motor imagery,' where imagining movement activates the same brain regions as actual movement, potentially keeping limbs active even when motion is compromised.

The research team is looking for around 50 stroke survivors to join this groundbreaking study by using these innovative headsets. The trials promise to not only help participants engage in fun gameplay but may also enhance their neurophysiological function.

For those interested, an informative event will take place on Thursday, August 7, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Riddel Hall in Stranmillis. Stroke survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals are all welcome to learn more about this potentially life-changing research!