Using musculo-postural biofeedback in virtual reality for pain management in musicians (TONE) 

TONE is expected to contribute new research findings on the manifestation and treatment of pain in work related musculoskeletal disorders in performing musicians. The project will develop a Virtual Reality and Gamification innovative tool to assist musicians in developing preventive and pain-management strategies against task-specific musculoskeletal pain.  To achieve this, a virtual mirror biofeedback system will be developed in which muscular activities and postural parameters will be projected on a virtual character animated in real-time while musicians are playing their musical instruments. This system will be complemented by a VR game implementing attention distraction from pain during instrument playing.   

TONE  will contribute significantly a) to the understanding of the psycho-motor mechanisms behind the manifestation and treatment of occupational pain disorders, b) to the establishments of new technology-based tools and interventions able to prevent, diagnose and monitor musculoskeletal pain symptoms, and c) to the development of occupational-related conditions and preventive guidelines among musicians, athletes, dancers, etc. Under those circumstances, musicians, physicians, scientists, educators, (physio)therapists, psychologists, and many others will benefit from the current project and will lead to the establishment of further collaborations between national and international institutions, universities, health care centers, and occupational organizations. 

TONE is coordinated within CYENS CoE by Dr. Christos Ioannou, Associate Researcher at the Cognitive and Clinical Applications Research Group (led by Prof. Marios Avraamides) and in collaboration with the research Group of Immersive Technologies for Intelligent and Creative Applications (led by Dr. Kleanthis Neokleous).  

Contact Person: 

Dr. Christos Ioannou 

Email: christos.ioannou@cyens.org.cy  

Project Info