University of Otago information science PhD graduand Simon Hoermann, working closely with a large Otago interdisciplinary team including
researchers in information science, psychology, physiotherapy and clinical neurology, has helped develop the system.
This ''augmented reflection technology'' aims to use visual illusions to improve rehabilitation outcomes after stroke.
''We are fooling the brain, and the brain is tricked into recovery,'' he said.
When one hand works well but the other does not, patients are invited to hide their hands in a box, which is part of the computerised system.
Images of both hands are then shown on a computer screen, suggesting to the brain that the initially immobile hand is also moving when asked to do so.
This helps re-establish interactive links between the eyes, hand and brain.
During the research, six people who had experienced chronic loss of movement in one hand as the result of a stroke tried the system - with promising suggestions of improved movement in three cases.
''I'm very excited,'' Mr Hoermann said about his research.
''Now we should get the research out there to the people.''
He aimed to bring the technology to ''patients in the hospital'' so they could use it shortly after a stroke, as part of their rehabilitation.
Stroke is the leading cause of serious adult disability in New Zealand.
Recovery of upper limb function is crucial to independence and self care, but most patients never regain it and remain dependent on caregivers.
Mr Hoermann will graduate from the university with a PhD, at a ceremony at the Regent Theatre, in Dunedin, tomorrow.
