Rehabilitation
This project aims to develop and test innovative digital tools, including computer vision-based movement analysis (DigiMotion and DigiBalance) and OCT-based retinal imaging analysis, to monitor Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression and support personalised treatment strategies. The project involves developing these tools and then validating their agreement and reliability against traditional clinical assessments in a lab setting with MS patients.
OCTive Research Project Summary
The OCTive project follows a phased approach integrating technology development, clinical validation, and patient involvement.
Phase 1: Tool Development
Prepared computer vision-based movement analysis tools for deployment.
Conducted Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities with individuals with MS to refine the eye imaging software based on user feedback.
Phase 2: Lab-Based Testing and Validation Currently underway, this phase involves testing the OCTive tools with MS patients at the Torbay MS Clinic and Royal Devon Exeter Hospital. Dr. Hassan Fadavi leads data collection.
Key activities include:
Participant Recruitment: Ten individuals with confirmed MS diagnoses recruited under Dr. Agne Straukiene’s guidance.
OCTive Toolkit Assessments:
Computer Vision Assessment: Participants perform movement tasks (e.g., walking, sit-to-stand). The system captures metrics like range of motion, gait, posture, and fall risk. Developed by Dr. Mansoubi.
OCT Retinal Analysis: Non-invasive scans assess retinal biomarkers (e.g., RNFL and GC-IPL thickness), led by Professor Mitra Tavakoli.
Comparison with Standard Assessments: Toolkit data will be compared with existing MS assessments, overseen by Professors Helen Dawes and Sarah Lamb.
Data Analysis: Includes statistical methods (Bland-Altman, ICCs) to assess agreement and reliability. Feasibility and usability are also evaluated.
PPIE Feedback: Participants will report on tool usability, informing a formal PPIE report for future refinement.
Timeline and Next Steps Lab testing runs from August 1 to November 30, 2025. Results—including dataset and PPIE report—will shape future development, refinement, and larger-scale implementation of the OCTive tools.
The project’s multidisciplinary collaboration, clinical partnerships, and patient-centered design aim to deliver effective digital health solutions for MS care.
Upon successful completion of the current OCTive project, including the crucial data analysis and model refinement phase, the ambition is to significantly expand the scope and impact of these innovative digital tools. The “proof-of-concept” established in this initial phase is envisioned as a crucial stepping stone towards securing further, more substantial funding. This would enable the research team to conduct larger-scale clinical validation studies across more diverse patient populations, which are essential for robustly confirming the efficacy and generalisability of the DigiMotion, DigiBalance, and OCT-based retinal analysis tools.
The long-term vision, as highlighted in the project’s aims, is to revolutionise MS care by integrating these objective and patient-centered assessment methods into routine clinical practice. This involves disseminating the research findings widely to both academic and clinical communities, refining the tools for seamless clinical integration, and ultimately working towards their adoption to improve personalized treatment strategies and rehabilitation outcomes for individuals living with MS. Furthermore, the project aspires to advance digital healthcare technologies more broadly, potentially paving the way for similar innovative approaches in the monitoring and management of other neurodegenerative diseases.
NIHR Exeter BRC.
Professor Sarah Lamb, Professor Helen Dawes, Dr Hassan Fadavi.
Other collaborators: Professor Mitra Tavakoli, Dr. Agne Straukiene
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