Kessler Foundation’s lead research scientists visit Virtualware’s headquarters
Virtualware was visited by the researchers who are leading the Kessler Foundation Spatial Retraining Therapy (KF-SRT) project, Peii Chen, PhD and Denise Krch, PhD. The goal of the project is to create a novel treatment system, using virtual reality technology, for individuals who have spatial neglect after stroke. This was a great opportunity to learn about the work of the two scientists who have earned international reputations for excellence in translational rehabilitation research.
Peii Chen, PhD, is a senior research scientist and intellectual property liaison at Kessler Foundation, focused on the application of virtual reality technology to improve rehabilitation outcomes for spatial neglect after stroke.
After visiting Virtualware, she was impressed and reported, “What a great creative staff! It’s wonderful seeing them making things happen. I look forward to continuing to work together.”
Denise Krch, PhD, is a senior research scientist at Kessler Foundation as well. She is a neuropsychologist by training and conducts research on cognitive rehabilitation across neurologic populations, with her primary area of expertise being executive function. She has an established line of research developing and evaluating rehabilitation applications using VR technologies.
The KF-SRT System is an innovative VR-based treatment system that Virtualware and Kessler Foundation have been working on together since 2018.
“What a great creative staff! It’s wonderful seeing them making things happen. I look forward to continuing to work together”
Peii Chen, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, Kessler Foundation
The KF-SRT will enhance therapy participation through a safe, interactive, and game-like VR environment with the aim of maximizing improvement of health and function in stroke survivors with spatial neglect, a hidden disability among stroke survivors thatdisrupts basic self-care activities and impairs postural balance, reading ability, and navigation.
As a result of this collaboration between Virtualware and Kessler Foundation, both organizations have been bringing the benefits of VR technologies into reality.
“VR-based systems are transforming our approach to neurorehabilitation research. New treatment activities created using VR technology can be more engaging, motivating stroke survivors to comply with their treatment.”
said Dr.Chen
“We enjoyed the visit from Peii and Denise, and the opportunityt to have fruitful discussions on the future of healthcare, and the promising role of VR in improving rehabilitative care for people with disabilities. Kessler Foundation is a strong partner that allows us to generate and maximize positive synergies in the health sector”
commented Julio Alvarez, Virtualware’s eHealth Business Development Manager
About Kessler foundation
Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes — including employment — for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation also leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
About Virtualware
A pioneering VR company formed by a multidisciplinary team of passionate technologists and innovative problem solvers, actively investing in advanced XR technologies to deliver outstanding results. With more than 15 years of expertise, Virtualware helps companies boost their business through immersive technologies specially in Health, Workforce Training, Design & Engineering and Marketing & Sales.