benjamin foster

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

1. Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing?

I am doing research with post stroke patients in the physical therapy lab with Doctor Roos and Doctor Thielman. Overall, I am exploring the viability of including virtual reality in an exercise-based post stroke rehabilitation regiment. Currently, I am focused on maintaining specific heart rate levels.

2. What do you find fascinating in the research you’re doing?

The most fascinating aspect of the research I am doing is the patient response to being placed in virtual reality. More specifically, we are seeing that some patients don’t believe that they are exerting themselves as much in virtual reality despite their heart rates being relatively high.

3. What skills are you learning through the USURF experience?

One of the most important skills I am learning is how to maintain a positive, supporting, and encouraging relationship with patients. It is vital for my research as for many patients, this is the first time they are trying virtual reality.

4. What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research?

In the physical therapy lab, there are not many patients to collect data on. I am also still exploring reliable outcome measures as virtual reality usage for post stroke rehabilitation is still a relatively new field of research.

5. How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field?

I am understanding the importance of integrating cognitive exercises along with basic physical therapy. My USURF experience has shown me that patients undergoing physical therapy can benefit greatly from cognitive exercises.

6. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I own my own VR headset and I love playing VR games.