Past Projects (Selected List)

Funder: Public Safety Canada

Principal investigator: Dr. Lili Liu (University of Waterloo)

Co-investigator: Dr. Antonio Miguel Cruz (University of Alberta)

PEAR lab research theme: Design and development of information and communication technologies-based platforms and use of data analytics.

The wandering of persons living with dementia and becoming lost is a significant concern among first responders and care partners. It is associated with injury, long-term care placement, and death. Databases on missing incidents involving people living with dementia are managed in silos with minimal or incomplete data. A national strategy for the collection of data on missing incidents of people living with dementia would optimize the time and resources spent on police as well as search and rescue while enhancing the chances of saving lives. Such a strategy would be a first step toward developing strategies to prevent future missing persons.

Project aims:

1. To implement and evaluate a rapid response protocol for first responders in seven Canadian provinces.

2. To implement and evaluate toolkits for communities.

3. To implement and evaluate a guideline for return home interviews to prevent missing incidents.

4. To determine the risk factors that affect missing incidents specific to persons living with dementia.

Infographics: Project datasheet

Funder: Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) Spark Program

Principal investigator: Dr. Antonio Miguel Cruz (University of Alberta)

Co-investigators: Dr. Adriana Maria Rios Rincon (University of Alberta), Dr. Andrew Chan (GRRIT-Glenrose Hospital), Geoffrey Gregson (GGRIT-Glenrose Hospital)

PEAR lab research theme: Design and development of information and communication technologies-based platforms and use of data analytics.

Frailty screening today is conducted on a non-routine basis in primary care or clinical settings; as a result, “hidden health vulnerabilities” cannot be identified early enough and, therefore, frailty prevention is not possible. This solution is a non-camera-based tracking technology with sensors and smart biomechanical devices embedded in older adults’ daily activities at home (thus preserving autonomy and privacy. It generates meaningful frailty data for older adults, caregivers, and the healthcare system. In addition, it is based on the concept of Zero Effort Technologies, so frail older adults do not need to develop new skills to use this monitoring system to manage frailty.

Project aims:

1. To design, develop, and validate a high-accuracy in-home monitoring system to manage (i.e., measure and monitor) frailty in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia

2. To explore potential use-cases alongside frail older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia and caregivers

3. To understand older adults’ attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions toward using this system.

Infographics: Project datasheet

Funder: AGE-WELL NCE

Principal investigator: Lili Liu (University of Waterloo)

Co-investigator: Antonio Miguel Cruz (University of Waterloo, University of Alberta)

PEAR lab research theme: Acceptance, adoption, and usability of rehabilitation, digital and healthcare technologies.

There are over 300,000 mobile apps for health. These apps can enhance self-management and access to health services, provide health information, and facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers. However, not all mobile health apps have acceptable quality or are useful. we developed the Alberta Rating Index for Apps (ARIA). This index offers a way for users, including older adults, family caregivers, and health service providers, to evaluate the quality and usability of health apps based on nine quality criteria.

Project aims:

1. To develop and examine the acceptance and reliability of a digital (web-based) version of the index in English and French, developed to expand the use of the ARIA. 

Funder: Alberta Innovates. Accelerating Innovation into CarE (AICE) program

Principal investigator: Antonio Miguel Cruz (University of Alberta)

Co-Principal investigator: Adriana Maria Rios Rincon (University of Alberta)

Industry partner: KarMed

PEAR lab research theme: Implementation and validation of rehabilitation, digital and healthcare technologies.

Upper extremity function plays a critical role in completing activities of daily living, employment, and participating in recreational activities. Upper limb disorders are prevalent across populations. The impact of upper limb disorders, both acute and chronic, puts a significant burden on the Canadian healthcare system. The FEPSim device (flexion, extension, pronation, and supination), developed by Karma Medical Products Edmonton AB, is a medical device for hand and wrist rehabilitation which can be adjusted according to the patient’s requirements in rehabilitation.

Project aims:

1. The primary objective of this proposed study is to assess the feasibility of conducting a definitive trial in terms of recruitment, eligibility criteria, the type and number of diagnoses included, the length and dosage of the intervention, and the data collection methods.

Project datasheet and impact

Funder: Mitacs – Accelerate Internship Program

Principal Investigator: Antonio Miguel Cruz (University of Alberta)

Co-Principal Investigator: Adriana Maria Rios Rincon (University of Alberta)

Industry partner: RazerLift®

PEAR lab research theme: Implementation and validation of rehabilitation, digital and healthcare technologies.

Manual lifting is a task that many workers perform multiple times per day. Low back pain (LBP) and injuries attributed to manual lifting activities comprise one of the main occupational health and safety issues. Most light-duty portable ladders are loads that are considered to be within a worker’s physical capabilities. Portable ladders are used by workers in industries such as construction, electrical, and telecommunications. In most cases, ladders are mounted on mechanical structures on commercial vehicles or vans for transportation purposes. The use of an assistive device (motorized device) when lifting ladders manually from vehicles may be beneficial for workers in any industry.

Project aims:

1. To investigate the effects of a powered and automated cargo management system (RazerLift®  system) on workers’ biomechanical variables during ladder lifting tasks compared to a mechanical cargo management system.

2. To investigate the technology acceptance and usability of a powered and automated cargo management system (RazerLift® system) used by workers who need to lift ladders as part of their daily duties compared to a mechanical cargo management system.

Project data sheet

Funder: Alberta Innovates and Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) 

Principal Investigator: Lili Liu (University of Waterloo)

Co-Principal Investigator: Eleni Stroulia (University of Alberta), Antonio Miguel Cruz (University of Alberta), Sharla King (University of Alberta)

Industry partner: Clinisys EMR

PEAR lab research theme: Implementation and validation of rehabilitation, digital and healthcare technologies.

In Alberta, health care aides (HCAs) comprise the second largest workforce, next to nurses, that provide care to seniors. Currently, we have a shortage of 5000 HCAs and this gap is rising. As the number of older adults increases, age-related health conditions such as dementia also rise. Presently, it is challenging to meet the needs of Albertans living with dementia, particularly those who are living alone, or with family carers with limited capacity. These conditions put persons with dementia at risk, limit their autonomy, and restrict their ability to remain in their home communities or age in place.

Project aims:

1. To customize and further enhance a multi-featured mobile application as a Clinisys module to be used by HCAs, family carers, and HCA students who provide care to persons living with dementia, and

2. An conduct an evaluation of the usability of the technology platform, its impact on HCA workflow, and health outcomes for Albertans living with dementia

Funders: Clinical Research Grant Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital

Principal investigator: Adriana Maria Rios Rincon (University of Alberta)

Co-investigators: Antonio Miguel Cruz (University of Alberta), Gwen Dziwenko (Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital), Su-Lee Dang (Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital), & Mike Cimolini (Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital).

PEAR lab research theme: Implementation and validation of rehabilitation, digital and healthcare technologies.

Several computer serious games have been designed and implemented to improve cognitive skills in older adults, although, to the best of our knowledge, few computer games have been developed to emulate real instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) such as money management, (shopping, paying bills by check, balancing chequebooks) in a playful manner. As an initiative to fill this gap, occupational therapists at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH) are using computer serious games to engage clients in problem-solving tasks related to life skills. This includes the creation and implementation of the Glenrose Grocery Game (GGG).

Project aims:

1. The purpose of this study is to explore the trial design and effects of playing the GGG as part of the rehabilitation program at the GRH on the specific mental functions, occupational performance, and satisfaction with the occupational performance of older adults, and to provide data to estimate the parameters required to design a definitive Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).

Funders: OPAU

Principal investigator: Antonio Miguel Cruz (University of Alberta)

Co-investigators: Martha Roxburgh, Lili Liu

PEAR lab research theme: Implementation and validation of rehabilitation, digital and healthcare technologies.

The Occupational Performance Analysis Unit (OPAU) is a not-for-profit, fee-for-service unit situated in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta. Since 2007, OPAU has been honoured to accept referrals from case managers of Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces to provide multidisciplinary rehabilitation services  to VCAF under the rehabilitation program envisioned in the New Veterans Charter

Project aims:

1. To characterize the population of 250 veterans who have been referred for, and received, multidisciplinary rehabilitation at the OPAU over the past 10 years; 

2. To determine the impact of the OPAU service on this population.

Project results