Using Virtual reality measurements (Neurofit) to explore cognition and movement post stroke

Summary

The objective measurement of motor activity is an essential component to understanding movement, whether this be in relation to elite sportspeople or to enhance rehabilitation following injury.

Recent innovations in this area allows for mobile, evidence based technologies for evaluating and enhancing performance.

The use of objective measurement tools allow for the monitoring of real time data, this can be done through the use of wearable’s and through specialist equipment.

The evolution of technology has resulted in more mobile devices, facilitating the moving of objective data collection from traditional lab settings into my real-life settings.

Wearable technology has revolutionized the ability to monitor and assess physical movement, cognition, and overall wellbeing. Virtual reality (VR) systems to explore and measure interplay between movement and cognition to provide real time data and insights.

A stroke results in a range of impairments including physical, cognitive and psychological that have a significant impact on individuals post stroke life. It is essential that these impairments can be accurately and objectively measured to ensure effective rehabilitation.

Technology such as virtual reality offers a mechanism not only to perform a detailed, scientific measurement of impairments post stroke in an engaging and motivating environment. It also could provide a route to deliver personalised rehabilitation of those impairments.

This study will use virtual reality/wearable technology to gather data on a range of motor, sensory, cognitive and mental wellbeing measures.

Objectives of the research:

The aim of this study is to investigate the use of Neurofit VR (Incisiv) in a stroke population, to explore their experience of using this equipment and to collect a range of objective measures.

Methods to be used:

This studentship will utilise the Sportlab multidisciplinary team and equipment and will work with external company INCISIV (www.incisiv.tech).

The supervision team offer a wealth of experience working with technology, collecting objective data, working with elite sport people, working with clinical groups and integrating multiple data sources.

This project will also utilise Cognitive Neuroscience lab on Coleraine Campus, Ulster University. Experimental neuroscience and psychology techniques will be used in this study, such as wearable movement trackers, Virtual Reality.

Skills required of applicant:

Candidates should have at least an upper second class first degree in an area with relevance to the research area for the studentship.  This includes, but is not exclusive to: Psychology, Sports Science, Neuroscience, Health Science, Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This opportunity is open to all applicants.

The tuition fee for international and EU (excluding ROI) candidates is £19,040 for 2026/27.

Studentship funding is available to UK and ROI applicants, as follows:

• MRes studentships will be available to top ranked candidates to cover tuition fees and a Research Training Support Grant of £900.
• All applicants to the project will be considered automatically for an MRes studentship.
• Applicants who do not receive a studentship but meet admission requirements may be offered admission on a self-funded basis.
• Applicants who already hold an MRes or a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of an MRes or doctoral degree are NOT eligible to apply for funding.
• Applicants who hold or who are registered on a taught Master’s degree are eligible to apply.