Innovating Pediatric Rehabilitation Through Gamified Technologies
At the Possibility Engineering and Research Lab (PEARL), our multidisciplinary team—under the leadership of Dr. Elaine Biddiss—merges biomedical engineering, rehabilitation sciences, and design thinking to develop evidence-based interventions that address the specific needs of children and youth with disabilities and empower them to engage more meaningfully in the arts, music, physical activity and therapy.
Meet the team behind our work.
Our Research Approach
At PEARL, we believe that technology should adapt to the user, not the other way around. Our research is grounded in a user-centric participatory design approach, co-developing technologies alongside children, families, researchers, therapists, and clinicians. The core values underlying our research endeavours are innovation, clinical impact, evaluation, and translation.
Our key areas of research focus include:
Gamified Rehabilitation & Digital Therapies
Harnessing the motivational power of gaming, PEARL develops adaptive, movement-based video games to promote motor rehabilitation. Projects such as Bootle Blast integrate mixed reality and motion tracking to provide targeted therapy in a highly engaging format. These solutions reduce barriers to access by allowing therapy to extend beyond clinical settings and into the home.
Interactive Play for Social and Emotional Well-Being
Play is a fundamental aspect of childhood development. Through platforms like ScreenPlay, which transforms waiting rooms into touch-free, interactive environments, and Bootle Band, a mobile app encouraging music-based social play, we create inclusive, multi-sensory experiences that foster self-expression, socialization, and engagement for children of all abilities.
Artificial Intelligence & Personalized Health Technologies
AI and sensor-based feedback systems allow for the development of intelligent assistive tools that dynamically adapt to the needs of the individual. By integrating machine learning algorithms, movement tracking, and biometric data, PEARL aims to transform how rehabilitation is personalized and optimized for each child.
Translational Research and Clinical Integration
Our research extends beyond the lab to ensure that innovations reach clinical practice and the home environment. We collaborate with healthcare providers and industry partners to facilitate the translation of research findings into real-world impact.
Learn about our projects!
