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Bloorview Research Institute
Scientist Profiles
Name: Tom Chau
Title: Senior Scientist and Canada Research Chair in Paediatric Rehabilitation Engineering
Theme: Innovation & Development
Education:
Ph.D., Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo
M.A.Sc., Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto
B.A.Sc., Engineering Science, University of Toronto
University Position:
Associate Professor & Coordinator of Clinical Engineering Program
Research Interests:
Application of intelligent systems and pattern discovery to address real clinical-driven issues within an interdisciplinary framework including: mechanomyographic control of upper extremity prosthesis, user-based design in upper extremity prosthetics, physiological access pathways (e.g., thermal imaging, skin conductance, near-infrared spectroscopy, ventilation, muscle vibrations) for individuals with severe motor impairments, augmented environments, non-invasive detection of aspiration in individuals with dysphagia, neuromotor dynamics, movement time and movement choices, and non-contact communication aids.
Current Funding:
Title: The efficacy of an intelligent prompting system to develop self-care activities in children with autism
Role: Co-Investigator (with Alex Mihailidis - PI, Wendy Roberts, Helene Polatajko)
Agency: The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation
Title: Communicating with the Dying Child: tapping into the communication experiences of bereaved families to improve palliative care of children with brain tumours.
Role: Co-Principal Investigator (with Deryk Beal, Cindy Van Halderen and Dr. Eric Bouffet)
Agency: BrainChild Foundation
Title: Intelligent systems for paediatric rehabilitation.
Role: Principal Investigator
Agency: REMAD Foundation (Hong Kong), Scientists of Chinese Descent Award
Title: Intelligent systems in paediatric rehabilitation.
Role: Principal Investigator
Agency: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Discovery Grants- Individual
Title: Paediatric Rehabilitation Intelligent Systems Mobile (PRISM) laboratory.
Role: Principal Investigator
Agency: Ontario Distinguished Researcher Award, Ontario Innovation Trust
Title: Paediatric Rehabilitation Intelligent Systems Mobile (PRISM) laboratory.
Role: Principal Investigator
Agency: Canadian Foundation for Innovation, Canada Research Chairs Program
Selected Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications:
In Press
Sejdic, E., Steele, C., Chau, T., “Segmentation and Time Duration Analysis of Dual-Axis Swallowing Accelerometry Signals in Healthy Subjects”, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.
Silva, J., Torres J, Chau, T., Mihailidis, A, “A novel asynchronous access method with binary interfaces”, Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation
Young, S., Pratt, J., Chau, T., “Misperceiving the speed-accuracy tradeoff: imagined movements and perceptual decisions”, Experimental Brain Research
Tai, K., Blain, S., Chau, T., “A review of emerging access technologies for individuals with severe motor impairments”, Assistive Technology.
Published
Biddiss, E., Chau, T. (2008). “Multivariate prediction of upper limb prosthesis acceptance or rejection”, Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 3(4):181-192.
Blain, S., Chau, T. (co-principal & corresponding author), Mihailidis, A. (2008). "Body language: the untapped potential of the autonomic nervous system", Open Rehabilitation, 1:27-37.
Lee J., Steele, C., Chau T. (2008). “Time and Time-Frequency Characterization of Dual-Axis Swallowing Accelerometry Signals” Physiological Measurement, 29(9):1105-1120.
Biddiss, E., Chau, T. (2008). “Dielectric elastomers as actuators for upper limb prosthetics: challenges and opportunities”, Medical Engineering & Physics, 30(4):403-418. PMID: 17632030
Blain S., Mihailidis A., Chau, T. (2008). “Assessing the potential of electrodermal activity as an alternative access pathway”, Medical Engineering & Physics, 30(4):509-515.PMID: 17656143.
Alves, N, Chau, T. (2008). “Testing the Stationarity of Mechanomyographic Signals from Extrinsic Hand Muscles During Isometric Contractions”, Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 18(3):509-515 PMID: 17276085.
Young, S., Pratt, J., Chau, T. (2008). “Choosing the fastest movement: perceiving speed-accuracy tradeoffs”, Experimental Brain Research, 185(4):681-688 PMID: 17992521.
Alves, N, Chau, T. (2008). “Vision-based Segmentation of Continuous Mechanomyographic Grasping Sequences for Training Multifunction Prostheses”, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 55(2):765-773.
Fernandes, D., Chau, T. (2008). “Fractal dimension of pacing and grip force in handwriting stroke production”, Journal of Biomechanics, 41:40-46, PMID: 17854816
Contact Information:
Bloorview Research Institute,
Bloorview Kids Rehab
150 Kilgour Road
Toronto, Ontario M4G 1R8
Tel: 416-425-6220, extension 3515 (Bloorview)
Tel: (416) 978-6108 (IBBME)
E-mail: tom.chau at utoronto dot ca
Website: www.prismlab.org
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