December KITE Trainee Innovations Showcase
The Trainee Innovations Showcase is an opportunity for trainees to share their work with members of the public, showcase that research in simple terms, and recruit participants for UHN Research studies.
This month's edition of the series will take place at the KITE Innovation Gallery on the first floor of Toronto Rehab-University-Centre on Dec. 4 at 1 pm. All clinical and research staff, as well as the general public, are invited to attend.
UHN Research discoveries by the following three KITE trainees will be presented.
Erica Dove, PhD Candidate
Title: Bootle Blast: Testing an Exercise Video Game with People Living with Cognitive Impairment
Description: Older adults with cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia) are more likely to have balance problems, which can result in falls. Exercise can improve the balance of people with cognitive impairment. ‘Exercise video games’ that involve moving (like the Nintendo Wii) have been used in therapy. This innovation showcase will display Bootle Blast, a movement-tracking video game being tested with people living with cognitive impairment. Attendees of the showcase will be invited to trial the games and provide immediate feedback, while learning about future opportunities to test the games at home with a family member.
Melissa Biscardi, RN, PhD Candidate
Title: A Novel Virtual Reality Program for Oculomotor Deficits After Concussion: The ORCA Study
Description: Concussions are a commonly occurring injury that can interfere with participation in sport, school and work. Some of the most troubling symptoms involve those pertaining to the eyes, such as blurry vision and trouble in visually stimulating environment. Early assessment and rehabilitation of eye movement deficits resulting from concussion have the potential to expedite recovery and improve affected individuals’ functioning. We are exploring a novel technology to assess and provide individualized treatment to adults who have recently (less that one year) sustained a concussion and are experiencing visual symptoms. Our study compares current usual care with eye movement exercises performed in virtual reality.
Shay Chavoshian, PhD Candidate
Title: Preventing falls through slip-resistant footwear in Indigenous communities
Description: Falls have become a major public health concern, especially with the aging global population. They are the second leading cause of injury-related deaths worldwide, with nearly 50% of these falls attributed to slips. In Canada, Indigenous communities experience significantly higher rates of fall-related hospital admissions compared to the general population. This disparity is influenced by factors such as health inequities, unique living conditions, exposure to smoke, and socioeconomic challenges.
Footwear plays a crucial role in preventing falls, as it is the primary point of contact between the body and the walking surface. Wearing slip-resistant shoes is key to reducing the risk of slips and falls. Given that Indigenous footwear has a unique design, we have developed recommendations to incorporate slip-resistant outsole patterns while respecting and preserving cultural integrity.
We will showcase various footwear, an inclined surface, and traditional Indigenous materials to demonstrate safer design strategies. Additionally, we will demo fall analysis systems using depth cameras, radar systems, and Amazon Deep Lens. Visit us to learn more about how this project aims to reduce health disparities and create inclusive, culturally sensitive solutions for slip prevention.