Title: Closed-loop (neuro)technology for stroke rehabilitation: trends and challenges
Abstract: Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with many survivors experiencing persistent motor impairments despite conventional rehabilitation. Recent advances in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), electrical stimulation technology, and rehabilitation robotics offer promising approaches to enhancing stroke rehabilitation outcomes through advanced training and assessment protocols. This talk will present practical examples of the latest trends in BCI-based stroke rehabilitation, including a novel electrotactile system for sensory training after stroke. Also, new stimulation paradigms that enable asynchronous activation of motor neurons and ensure controlled temporal and spatial distribution of electric charge delivered to motoneurons will be discussed. Objective and less demanding functional assessments of patients can significantly impact the course of therapy. Robotic systems and electrophysiological recording technologies offer tools for more robust, faster, and more frequent assessments. However, the challenges and limitations of applying BCIs and electrical stimulation systems to severe upper limb impairments will also be discussed, along with strategies for translating these methods from the lab to real clinical and home settings for independent use.
Bio: Dr. Andrej Savić is affiliated with the Science and Research Centre of the University of Belgrade - School of Electrical Engineering in the role of Senior Science Associate. He received Dipl. Ing degree, master's degree and the PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from University of Belgrade - School of Electrical Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia in 2008, 2010 and 2014 at study modules for Physical Electronics, Biomedical Engineering and System Control and Signal Processing, respectively. His main research interests include biomedical engineering, neural engineering, and neuroscience, with specific expertise in brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and closed-loop neurotechnology. He has actively contributed to a total of 15 publicly (EU) and privately funded research projects covering topics such as BCIs for stroke rehabilitation, assistive BCIs for ALS, hybrid BCIs, neuroergonomics, implantable neurotechnology, neuromodulation, and neural biomarkers of neurological disorders. He was the principal investigator for the HYBIS project funded by the Fund for Science of the Republic of Serbia, dedicated to excellent ideas of young researchers, and led a team of five researchers from three Science and Research institutions. He has more than 8 years of experience in collaboration with industry partners. Since 2016, he has held a lecturer position at the University of Belgrade, contributing to multidisciplinary PhD studies in Biomedical Engineering and Technologies, Intelligent Systems, and Biophysics. He actively participates in supervising multiple PhD theses. He has coauthored more than 100 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, books, and conferences. Additionally, he serves as a reviewer and editor for multiple international scientific journals.
