MindMaze and the University of Auckland are collaborating on a novel early intervention study for stroke patients, expanding global research breadth in support of the company’s brain tech solutions

BALTIMORE & LAUSANNE, Switzerland & AUCKLAND, New Zealand–(BUSINESS WIRE). intensive intervention to restore mobility in patients who have suffered a stroke. The Phase 2 Enhancing Spontaneous Recovery After Stroke Study (ESPRESSo, ACTRN12620000871943) will evaluate the effect of using MindPod in a three-week program of high-intensity, high-dose exploratory arm and hand movements performed within two weeks of the start of the study Impact on the motor capacity of the upper extremities.

ESPRESSo is actively recruiting and cementing the leadership of MindMaze and the University of Auckland as pioneers in the field of stroke neurorecovery, To align the medical community with earlier interventions by demonstrating the clear benefits they can have both immediately and long-term after stroke.

The MindPod, a A novel, immersive neuro-animation experience designed to promote motor skills and cognitive function recovery after stroke or other neurological injury or disease was selected for ESPRESSo because it takes a unique approach to brain repair: it is a holistic, multi-scale intervention that performed simultaneously provides a cognitive challenge, motor training and a cardiovascular workout. This training can be expected to produce more general effects that are both cognitive and physical.

“Research shows that an injured brain can heal, especially if the work of recovery starts early. MindPod was designed with that knowledge in mind, and the result is a high-dose, high-intensity solution that patients actually love using,” said John Krakauer, MA, MD, Professor of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Chief Medical Advisor to MindMaze. “This immersive, reinforcing environment is key to motivation and adherence to therapy, both of which are of paramount importance, especially in early recovery situations when morale is most challenged.”

In addition, the ESPRESSo study utilizes a breakthrough prediction tool that, by combining clinical and neurophysiological assessments, enables accurate predictions of recovery over the three-month upper extremity function outcomes. Used in New Zealand hospitals, the tool is validated in the United States and is a useful and unprecedented reference for physicians as they guide their patients through the recovery process and possible outcomes. In the difficult and uncertain time following an event like a stroke, the tool can provide more reassurance and realistic choices for patients and their doctors to work toward.

“What we are evaluating in the ESPRESSo Study is ambitious, multifaceted and novel,” said Winston Byblow, PhD, Director of the Movement Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Auckland and Principal Investigator of the ESPRESSo Study. “Our goal is to show that there is a real, valid biological reason for the urgency of an intervention and that this directly correlates to improved outcomes for patients who have suffered a stroke. With the prognosis tool, we meet each patient where they are, set the right goals early on, and work with state-of-the-art, immersive technology to meet or exceed the predicted outcome.”

DTx protocols enabled by the MindPod are the subject of many ongoing studies worldwide for indications such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and healthy aging, underscoring its potential for more general application in neurological diseases, injuries and aging. MindMaze is committed to improving brain health by providing seamless digital assessments and therapeutics across the continuum of care for millions of patients living with neurological disorders.

About MindPod

MindPod is a neurorestorative solution focused on brain repair through high-intensity and high-dose complex exploratory movements. It’s an immersive location-based animated game environment with customized sound, lighting, and motion tracking. Based on technology developed in the Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MindPod is evidence-based, protocolled, FDA-listed and CE-marked.

Around MindMaze

Founded in 2012, MindMaze is a global leader in brain technology and digital neurotherapeutic solutions for brain health and recovery. Its mission is to accelerate the brain’s ability to recover, learn and adapt. The company has two core divisions – Healthcare and Labs – that work together at the intersection of neuroscience, biosensing, engineering, mixed reality and artificial intelligence. MindMaze Healthcare is developing a universal brain health platform with breakthrough solutions for some of the world’s toughest neurological problems, including stroke, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. MindMaze Labs, the company’s R&D innovation center, is focused on the future of human computing and works across industries to innovate and develop the next generation of human-machine interfaces. The company has offices in Lausanne, Baltimore, London, Paris and Mumbai.

Visit www.mindmaze.com for more information.

About the University of Auckland

The University of Auckland, which goes by the Māori name Waipapa Taumata Rau, is New Zealand’s world-class university and a pre-eminent research-oriented organisation. The university’s science department is New Zealand’s largest and most senior science department and hosts a wealth of cutting-edge research programmes. The University of Auckland was ranked ninth in the world in 2021 in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, which measure progress towards meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The university was the only New Zealand university to rank in the top 100 in the 2022 QS World University Rankings.