How is OBI bringing lab to life > Neurotech products and services


“Rehabilitation therapies make a real difference in the lives of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Keeping up motivation for going to therapy and practicing exercises at home is so important – we needed an innovative, out-of-the-box solution and so we worked with kids, their families, and clinicians to make one”, says Dr. Elaine Biddiss, Scientist, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Investigator at CP-NET (OBI’s cerebral palsy research program). “The team knew early on that the tool had to be engaging and fun, otherwise kids would lose interest right away.”

“Rehabilitation therapies make a real difference in the lives of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Keeping up motivation for going to therapy and practicing exercises at home is so important – we needed an innovative, out-of-the-box solution and so we worked with kids, their families, and clinicians to make one.”

Dr. Elaine Biddiss, Scientist, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Investigator at CP-NET

Botley’s Bootle Blast. If you think that sounds fun, you’re right. And that’s exactly the point. An immersive virtual reality game designed to help make physical therapy fun and engaging for children and youth with CP. Developed by the PEARL Lab at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Botley’s Bootle Blast was made possible with support from various OBI partnerships and programs. This innovative approach to therapy is in line with OBI’s commitment to promoting Ontario’s neurotech cluster by investing in pioneering research and technology, and helping bring it to market – all to improve the lives of those living with brain disorders.

CP is the most common physical disability in children. More than 34,000 individuals in Ontario have CP. Children with CP may also have other challenges – including seizures and problems with thinking, communicating and behaviour, however, the visible evidence of CP are its “motor disabilities”– challenges in how a person develops and maintains control of their movement. For that reason, early intervention and ongoing therapy is essential to build and strengthen neural connections that improve mobility and cognitive challenges, ultimately allowing kids to explore their full potential.

This is why OBI is supporting and facilitating the development of Botley’s Bootle Blast through research, funding and industry mentorship. One of those partnerships is with CP-NET, a program focused on better understanding CP including its cause, prevention and rehabilitation treatments for children. As a result of the funding, mentorship and connections between a network of OBI researchers and patient advocates, PEARL Lab was able to take Botley’s Bootle Blast from concept to players – kids who are happy to be rounding up Bootle points, while doing therapy.

At the heart of the game is a robotic city that needs help capturing mini-robots that are causing havoc. While it certainly is fun and games, it’s also leading-edge technology – involving an infrared camera that provides a 3D view of the player and tracks up to 25 joints on the player’s body.

Dr. Biddiss and her team at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital use different technologies to help track and guide the player in performing the correct therapeutic movements – while keeping it a very customizable experience. Players use real life objects, such as building blocks or musical instruments like tambourines and maracas, to help improve their fine motor movements, with a focus on grasping, releasing, and wrist supination.

As an indication of success, the clinic version of the game is already being used in the hospital and is gathering feedback directly from kids and therapists in order to fine-tune the software for maximum benefit – and maximum enjoyment! After all, the benefits will only be realized if it’s fun to play.

“The ultimate goal is to make Botley’s Bootle Blast accessible to families so kids can continue to play and practice their physical and occupational therapy goals in the comfort of their homes”, says Dr. Biddiss. “We are excited about this project – we are merging fun with therapy and changing the outlook on therapy for kids and families on a whole new level.”

Find more information on CP-NET program and the latest resources on cerebral palsy here.