Neurorehabilitation Platform

Torque3 is building a neurorehabilitation platform where robot-assisted, deeply immersive exercises help the brain rebuild lost movement (neuroplasticity). The system is built on the PS-6TL-250 6DOF motion platform. The Torque3 platform leverages deep immersion during task-oriented therapy to create tasks that are perceived as urgent and important within experiences that are constantly new and challenging. The team believes this approach will improve neuroplasticity, achieving significantly better recovery outcomes for stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients.

Unique Approach

The use of intense, deep immersion causes the brain to assign importance and urgency to task-oriented therapy. Combined with multimodal engagement, the approach is designed to improve neuroplasticity and support the remapping of neural pathways that helps regain lost functionality.

Research over the last 20 years by Dr. Eric Wade on task-oriented therapy utilizing virtual reality and robotic assistance has shown that tasks that are “continually challenging” and “continually novel” with “meaningful rewards” result in the most successful treatments.

On this platform, Torque3 delivers a strong “illusion of presence” and “sense of embodiment,” so patients reach deep immersion and suspend disbelief, which in turn creates a real “perception of risk.” That perception does two important things. First, it adds intensity to the experience, and intensity on its own can improve neuroplasticity. More importantly, it lends urgency and importance to every action the patient performs during task-oriented therapy.

Stroke survivors usually have some level of paralysis on one side of their body. Torque3’s advanced robotics also help offset the effects of hemiplegia or hemiparesis during therapy. The platform instantly compensates for lateral imbalance between limbs, delivering a smooth experience as if the patient were not impaired.

Torque3 has one goal: make the patient feel whole again during therapy.