Title: Wearable Brain-Computer Interfaces for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Journey from Lab to Real-World Applications
Abstract: Stroke rehabilitation faces significant challenges, including limited access to intensive therapy and the need for interventions that promote neural plasticity. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) represent a promising solution, offering non-invasive tools to enhance motor recovery through real-time neurofeedback and task-oriented therapy. This talk presents the development journey of a wearable BCI system for stroke rehabilitation, from initial laboratory research to real-world implementation. Key advancements include novel protocols for inducing cortical plasticity, user-centric design for wearable technology, and pilot clinical trials demonstrating efficacy in improving motor function. The session will highlight scientific innovations, engineering challenges, and future directions for scaling these technologies to transform neurorehabilitation practice globally.
Bio: Dr. Imran Khan Niazi is the Research Director at the Centre for Chiropractic Research and Dean of Innovation and Technology at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic (NZCC), Auckland, New Zealand. With a PhD in Biomedical Science and Engineering from Aalborg University, Denmark, and a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Lübeck University, Germany, Dr. Niazi’s global academic journey spans Europe, Asia, and Australasia. He has over a decade of physical and neural rehabilitation expertise, focusing on non-pharmacological and conservative treatments to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Niazi’s pioneering work in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technologies for stroke rehabilitation has garnered international recognition. NZCC was recently ranked 6th globally for BCI publicati
ons in stroke, and Dr. Niazi was named the 5th most influential BCI author, with two of his publications among the top 30 most cited in the field1,2. He has authored 127 peer-reviewed journal articles and more than 100 conference papers, with his research cited over 5,250 times (h-index: 36). His multidisciplinary research collaborations include chiropractors, neuroscientists, physiotherapists, engineers, and data scientists across 15 institutions in 9 countries. As Dean of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Niazi established NZCC’s commercialisation arm, Vitality Innovation, the first technology transfer office (TTO) in any chiropractic school worldwide. Under his leadership, this initiative bridges academia and industry, enabling the translation of cutting-edge research into practical, impactful solutions. His patient-centred approach combines robust scientific validation with innovative engineering solutions, advancing the development of telerehabilitation and home-based BCI systems. Dr. Niazi’s contributions continue to shape the future of neurorehabilitation globally.
