StimuLOOP: Precision sensorimotor neurorehabilitation through personalized stimulation loops

Problem Severe impairment of gait behavior in stroke and Parkinson’s patients

Goal Personalized neurorehabilitation combined with sensory stimulation and memory consolidation during sleep

With the StimuLOOP project, the research team led by Andreas Luft and Roger Gassert aims to help patients affected by stroke or Parkinson’s disease regain their normal walking ability as efficiently as possible.

The project incorporates novel technologies, including a visual feedback system that supports patients in learning a gait pattern tailored to their individual needs. In addition, a combination of acoustic stimulation during training and targeted auditory cues during sleep is designed to support long-term consolidation of newly learned motor patterns.

In the first phase, the project’s various complementary modules were synchronized. These include detailed gait pattern analysis, the development of a training setup with realistic visual feedback, and acoustic stimulation that is synchronized with EEG signals during sleep. Disease-specific features were also addressed, such as motor blocks (freezing) in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Selected research findings

Since the launch of the StimuLOOP project in 2021, significant progress has already been made. Several preliminary studies were successfully conducted to validate the scientific foundation of the project. These studies tested novel technologies, explored methods and mechanisms of motor learning, and laid the groundwork for the complex main study.

The pilot studies yielded valuable scientific insights, which were presented at international conferences and in renowned academic journals. A particular highlight was a dedicated session for StimuLOOP at the International Conference on Neurorehabilitation (ICNR 2024), which led to lively international discussions and new collaborations. Another highlight was StimuLOOP’s strong presence at this year’s Symposium of the Zurich Center for Neuroscience, where young researchers in particular were able to showcase their projects

Completed pilot studies

The following pilot studies have been completed within the StimuLOOP project:

Study on the benefits of enhanced feedback for gait training in neurorehabilitation
Reliability and validity of various training courses for patients with Parkinson’s disease
Feasibility study on personalized feedback to influence gait and balance parameters
Targeted memory reactivation of feedback-based learning of motor adaptability
Study on neurological biomarkers for pathological gait behavior in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Influence of voluntary suppression of beta-band power on the quality of movement patterns
Use of observational gait classification for therapeutic guidance
Feasibility of using Tosoo technology and high-resolution EEG in stroke patients

The results of these pilot studies have given rise to new research lines, which are now being developed into independent projects led by early-career researchers. These include initial efforts to integrate StimuLOOP methods into simplified mobile technologies.

Main studies on stroke and Parkinson’s disease

In addition to these scientific advances, the main clinical studies have also been launched: StimuLOOP.STR (StimuLOOP Stroke) and StimuLOOP.PD (StimuLOOP Parkinson’s Disease). The project team has already completed a quarter of the planned assessments, and the initial feedback from participants has been positive. However, concrete conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the intervention will only be possible after the study has been fully completed.

Groups involved:

Andreas Luft: Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich
Roger Gassert: Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich
Christian Baumann: Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich
Reto Huber: Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich and University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich
William Taylor: Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich
Julia Vogt: Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich

Junior PIs:

Chris Awai: Data Analytics & Rehabilitation Technology, Lake Lucerne Institute
Meret Branscheidt: Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich
Olivier Lambercy: Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich
Angelina Maric: Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich