May 30
Pushing Boundaries in Neurorehabilitation: Harnessing VR and FES with The MiNT Academy, Hobbs Rehabilitation, and Valkyrie Industries
The MiNT Academy and Hobbs Rehabilitation are excited to announce our latest collaboration with Valkyrie Industries, a pioneering company at the forefront of extended reality (XR), and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) technology for neuromuscular recovery.
“This case study with Hobbs Rehabilitation and The MiNT Academy validated the potential of our technology to enhance rehabilitation with functional, intuitive, and engaging therapy. We are excited to continue building on this foundation and bring a new standard of innovation to neurorehabilitation.” - Ivan Isakov, CTO and Co-founder of Valkyrie Industries
"Using the VR FES device in our outpatient clinic for upper limb rehabilitation has been a transformative experience. The intuitive interface and ease of use made it seamless to integrate into therapy sessions, allowing both clinicians and patients to focus on the treatment itself. Our stroke patient was highly engaged throughout, with the immersive VR environment enhancing motivation and participation. Following a short but intensive course of therapy, we were pleased to see a noticeable improvement in wrist range of movement, an encouraging step forward in the patient’s recovery journey." - Laura Marriott, Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist, Hobbs Rehabilitation, and Education Lead at The MiNT Academy
Our specialist clinicians from Hobbs Rehabilitation also attended Valkyrie Industries’ v-health launch event in London at the beginning of May, prompting an announcement of a clinical trial between Hobbs Rehabilitation, the MiNT Academy, Valkyrie Industries, King’s College, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation.
A case study into virtual environment and FES
Laura Marriott, Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist, Hobbs Rehabilitation, and Education Lead at The MiNT Academy, and Ivan Isakov, CTO and Co-founder of Valkyrie Industries, led a case study evaluating the integration of Valkyrie’s XR and FES technologies in a real-world clinical setting.
Having already completed an initial technology evaluation with Valkyrie Industries as one of The MiNT Academy’s Clinical Consultancy Packages, and co-developing the v-health platform, we were thrilled to engage with them a second time.
Having already completed an initial technology evaluation with Valkyrie Industries as one of The MiNT Academy’s Clinical Consultancy Packages, and co-developing the v-health platform, we were thrilled to engage with them a second time.
We had the opportunity to invite Bill, a patient at Hobbs Rehabilitation, to trial the technology over the course of four days, 40 minutes per day, comprising:
- eir bands: A wearable muscle haptic device using FES technology to target muscle activation and recovery.
- XR headset: An XR headset combining the eir bands with the v-health platform to allow individuals to interact with immersive virtual environments during therapy.
- v-health platform: A fully customisable app that utilises eir bands and the XR headset to bring a gamified and interactive approach to support individuals to practise daily movements and strengthen muscles.
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
The integration of these devices are especially beneficial for individuals with neurological conditions that affect movement and mobility, such as stroke, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries etc. By delivering structured, repetitive, and intensive exercises through a mobile-controlled system, they transform traditional muscle recovery into engaging, real-world tasks.
“We are very happy to see v-health and our eir bands being embraced by therapists and patients in a real clinical setting. The feedback from both therapist and patient has been invaluable, showing that v-health can seamlessly integrate into therapy sessions while also highlighting opportunities for further refinement.” - Ivan Isakov
What This Means for the Future of FES and XR Neurorehabilitation
Working directly with clinicians and patients in this case study was vital to understand how the v-health app, FES eir bands, and XR headset can be used in a real-world rehabilitation setting.
With Bill’s input, we were able to uncover bespoke insights and feedback on the technology. The devices were a useful asset for treatment of stroke, particularly upper-limb strengthening, providing a quick, simple application. They successfully built on Bill’s movement patterns, increasing his passive wrist range:
Pre treatment Post Treatment
Wrist Flexion: 46 degrees 55 degrees
Wrist Extension: 58 degrees 64 degrees
Most importantly, the gamification through the XR headset and the real time feedback allowed Bill to remain engaged throughout the treatment, keeping a 100% motivation score, and he was only limited in time in the game through muscle fatigue.
On his experience of his involvement in the case study, Bill comments, “I am constantly searching for innovative ways to aid my recovery in the form of new therapies or technological advancements within rehab. I have an understanding with Laura that I will try anything, and I am particularly interested in technology; this is why I participated in the study.
The product we were testing I had previously used in an early form, which the company refined so I now tested the latest version. The product is perfect for me as I have very limited use of my right arm, so to see it moving in a natural but attainable way was not only interesting, but encouraging. This movement, coupled with the VR experience, gamifies rehabilitation, which I think is the key to better rehab outcomes.
I think in the future, this sort of technology should be available across all societies with neurological conditions to give everyone the same chances of physical and neurological recovery.”
The product we were testing I had previously used in an early form, which the company refined so I now tested the latest version. The product is perfect for me as I have very limited use of my right arm, so to see it moving in a natural but attainable way was not only interesting, but encouraging. This movement, coupled with the VR experience, gamifies rehabilitation, which I think is the key to better rehab outcomes.
I think in the future, this sort of technology should be available across all societies with neurological conditions to give everyone the same chances of physical and neurological recovery.”
As neurotechnology continues to evolve, partnerships like this demonstrate the vital role of collaboration and clinical insight in shaping how new tools for neurorehabilitation are developed and implemented. This case study underscores the potential of XR and FES to:
- Increase patient engagement through gamified, immersive environments.
- Deliver targeted neuromuscular stimulation with precision and adaptability.
- Support clinicians in delivering more intensive, effective therapy
Building on this collaboration, Valkyrie Industries will continue expanding the clinical applications of v-health and eir bands, aiming to initiate further clinical validations in Europe and the USA.
Showcasing Innovation at RehabWeek 2025
We were thrilled to showcase this eye-opening case study at RehabWeek 2025, in a joint session led by Laura and Ivan. The presentation, titled “Combining Virtual Environment and FES in Intensive Neurorehabilitation: The Clinical Applications,” highlighted both Valkyrie’s immersive technology and its clinical application. Laura and Ivan also explored the impact of research development and design, with MiNT’s Clinical Consultancy Packages, on truly addressing the needs of both therapists and patients.
"RehabWeek was an incredible experience - presenting our XR + FES case study in the MiNT track sparked great conversations and a lot of interest. It was exciting to connect with leaders across the rehab tech space, share our innovation, and explore opportunities for collaboration. We’re leaving full of ideas and energy for what’s next!" - Ivan Isakov
Connect with us
Copyright© 2022 Hobbs Rehabilitation LTD
Alison Watt
Head of Clinical Operations
Alison is Head of Clinical Operations for The MiNT Academy. With over 10 years of clinical experience within specialist neurological services, Alison previously worked in the NHS specialising in stroke and neurorehabilitation.
As a previous NHS AHP Ward Manager, Alison has always worked within innovative therapy roles. This continues at The MiNT Academy, a growing neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development.
As a previous NHS AHP Ward Manager, Alison has always worked within innovative therapy roles. This continues at The MiNT Academy, a growing neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development.
Alison coordinates research, development and education activities to enable increased accessibility to clinically effective devices.
As Principle Investigator in technology trials, she has aided the development of devices from concept to market, with recent focusses on Virtual Reality and Exoskeletons. Alison has presented at and organised numerous national and international conferences, including as MiNT Chair at RehabWeek 2022. She has also completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Medical Education and lectures at multiple UK academic institutions.
Alongside this, Alison works clinically at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre in Bristol, combining the use of therapy devices with conventional hands-on treatment, for outpatients with a variety of neurological conditions. Alison uses all of her roles to passionately drive forward the use of neurotechnology in clinical practice to optimise opportunities and outcomes for patients.
As Principle Investigator in technology trials, she has aided the development of devices from concept to market, with recent focusses on Virtual Reality and Exoskeletons. Alison has presented at and organised numerous national and international conferences, including as MiNT Chair at RehabWeek 2022. She has also completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Medical Education and lectures at multiple UK academic institutions.
Alongside this, Alison works clinically at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre in Bristol, combining the use of therapy devices with conventional hands-on treatment, for outpatients with a variety of neurological conditions. Alison uses all of her roles to passionately drive forward the use of neurotechnology in clinical practice to optimise opportunities and outcomes for patients.
Helen Hobbs
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Helen is a specialist neurological physiotherapist with over 25 years of specialist clinical experience and extensive clinical skills including advanced Bobath training. She has a special interest inclinical education, training and research. Helen has held postgraduate clinical training roles at both Kings College NHS Hospital London Neuroscience Centre and Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust before establishing Hobbs Rehabilitation in 2005.
Helen's teaching and leadership skills resulted in international scholarships and fellowships taking Helen to the USA and South Africa. She has presented both nationally and internationally. Helen has close links with several academic institutions including Southampton, Imperial College, Loughborough , Portsmouth and Winchester Universities to provide clinical leadership for the design of future healthcare technologies and research projects.
Her publications have included the effects of robotic assisted gait training on vascular health in strokes and spinal cord injured patients and the European rehabilitation guidelines for MS patients post stem cell transplant.
Amy Dennis-Jones
The MiNT Academy Research Lead
Amy has over 20 years experience working within the field of Neurological rehabilitation. She has worked with a variety of settings capturing the full rehabilitation pathway from acute through to the community.
Since working for Hobbs Rehabilitation in 2015, Amy has worked with an array of neurotechnologies and is a trained Rewalk exoskeleton clinician. She has presented at varying conference and study days, and is on the local committee for ACPIN, a specialist interest group for physiotherapists working in Neurology.
Amy's position within Hobbs Rehabilitation has evolved into a split clinical and research role. She is part of the core development team working on MiNT, an innovative neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development as well as leading on research projects and further collaborations.
Outside of physiotherapy, Amy is a qualified yoga teacher and combines her experience with rehabilitation to teach chair/adaptive yoga classes.
Chrissy Bibby
The MiNT Academy Events Lead
Chrissy has worked in the field of adult acquired neurological speech and language therapy for over 15 years, initially in the NHS before joining Hobbs Rehabilitation, where she leads the Speech & Language therapy team. Clinically, she has a special interest in motor speech disorders and rehabilitation of the facial nerve.
Chrissy trained as a teacher before embarking on her career in neurological rehabilitation and enjoys using her teaching skills in all areas of her work with Hobbs Rehabilitation and MiNT.
As Events Lead for The MiNT Academy, Chrissy is embracing the opportunity to discuss with fellow clinicians, academics and industry partners the benefits of using neurotechnology with our communication impaired clients, while encouraging further development in this vital area.
Outside of speech and language therapy, Chrissy enjoys swimming, singing with her local rock choir, baking, sewing, and camping with her family.
Chrissy trained as a teacher before embarking on her career in neurological rehabilitation and enjoys using her teaching skills in all areas of her work with Hobbs Rehabilitation and MiNT.
As Events Lead for The MiNT Academy, Chrissy is embracing the opportunity to discuss with fellow clinicians, academics and industry partners the benefits of using neurotechnology with our communication impaired clients, while encouraging further development in this vital area.
Outside of speech and language therapy, Chrissy enjoys swimming, singing with her local rock choir, baking, sewing, and camping with her family.
Laura Marriott
The MiNT Academy Education Lead
Laura is a specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist with 15 years of experience, over 12 years of which is in the neurological sector. Laura has worked in the NHS from acute care through to community rehabilitation and outpatients and now works in the private sector where she is the lead Occupational Therapist for Hobbs Intensive outpatient rehabilitation service, coordinating intensive rehabilitation packages and treating patients with complex neurological requirements.
Her role within Hobbs has evolved and she has split clinical and research responsibilities. She is part of the MiNT Academy Development Team who have delivered an innovative neurotechnology platform combining clinical education and product development. Her role also involves leading on research projects and further collaborations. Laura has expert clinical skills used to implement neuro assistive and rehabilitation technology into functional contexts building the links between the companies and the patients. Laura presented at Virtual RehabWeek 2021 and is excited to be presenting at RehabWeek 2022 in Rotterdam, showcasing the merits and application of collaboration between skilled clinicians and engineers to create a device that has longevity with both clinicians and patients alike.
Outside of Hobbs Laura enjoys a busy family life, hiking, roller skating and painting.
Lizzie Williams
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Lizzie is a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist working at Hobbs Rehabilitation since May 2020. She also has a background in orthopaedics, frailty and inpatient rehabilitation. Lizzie jumped at the opportunity to be involved in The MiNT Academy to combine her interest in technology and love for providing high quality rehabilitation for patients. Lizzie brings the perspective of a physiotherapist who routinely utilises neurotechnology with patients as well as teaching and supporting other clinicians in embedding it into practice.
Rachael Edwards
The MiNT Academy Development Team
Rachael Edwards developed a specialist interest in the role of technology in upper limb neurorehabilitation, whilst working as an Occupational Therapist on the upper limb program at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square.
Rachael has relocated to Bristol and is setting up an Occupational Therapy service at Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy Centre, where she continues to explore the use of technology to support delivering intensive upper limb rehabilitation.
Louis Martinelli
The MiNT Academy Development Team
With degrees in Sport & Exercise Science
(BSc) and Physiotherapy (MSc pre-registration), Louis has over ten years’ experience of working in neurological rehabilitation and 15 years in the exercise industry.
Trained in both the Ekso GT and ReWalk, Louis has been using exoskeletons on a daily basis with a variety of medical conditions at Hobbs Rehabilitation for seven years. He has also experienced many patient trials/assessments in a variety of other exoskeleton manufactures.
Louis has helped establish a research partnership between Hobbs Rehabilitation and The University of Winchester, which in 2019 published an article on the effects exoskeleton rehabilitation can have on the vascular system in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine.
(BSc) and Physiotherapy (MSc pre-registration), Louis has over ten years’ experience of working in neurological rehabilitation and 15 years in the exercise industry.
Trained in both the Ekso GT and ReWalk, Louis has been using exoskeletons on a daily basis with a variety of medical conditions at Hobbs Rehabilitation for seven years. He has also experienced many patient trials/assessments in a variety of other exoskeleton manufactures.
Louis has helped establish a research partnership between Hobbs Rehabilitation and The University of Winchester, which in 2019 published an article on the effects exoskeleton rehabilitation can have on the vascular system in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine.
Barry Richards
Head of Commercial Operations
Barry brings extensive expertise in the medical device industry and healthcare markets from across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. Renowned as a subject matter expert, he possesses deep knowledge of exoskeleton technology and the neurological MedTech rehabilitation sector.
With over a decade of commercial experience, Barry has worked with leading neurological rehabilitation MedTech companies in various roles, including clinical, business development, market access, and commercial operations. He has successfully assisted multiple organisations in shaping their business development, sales, marketing, and clinical strategy plans at different stages of commercialisation.
With over a decade of commercial experience, Barry has worked with leading neurological rehabilitation MedTech companies in various roles, including clinical, business development, market access, and commercial operations. He has successfully assisted multiple organisations in shaping their business development, sales, marketing, and clinical strategy plans at different stages of commercialisation.
Barry has held director-level and senior management positions at both global and European levels. He also has a strong clinical background in physiotherapy, with significant experience in the neurological rehabilitation field, and demonstrates a high level of competency in operating advanced technologies.
Created with
