Navid Shirzad
Papers
7
Total Citations
180
H-Index
5
About
Navid Shirzad’s research lies at the intersection of rehabilitation robotics, human-computer interaction, and motor learning, with a focus on making therapy more engaging for individuals with neurological impairments. As a key contributor to the FEATHERS project, he co-developed motion tracking and social networking applications for upper limb rehabilitation in stroke survivors and teenagers with cerebral palsy, demonstrating that gamified therapy can improve adherence and outcomes. His work on “desirable difficulty” — the idea that exercises should be challenging but achievable — has been foundational, showing that adapting task difficulty based on motor performance and physiological responses (e.g., heart rate, skin conductance) enhances both motivation and motor learning. Shirzad also explored error amplification, where visual distortions in robotic reaching tasks accelerate skill acquisition, and validated these concepts through usability studies and focus groups with patients and clinicians. With papers accumulating over 150 citations, his research has shaped how engineers design adaptive, user-centered rehabilitation technologies. His contributions are particularly notable for bridging engineering design with clinical needs, offering concrete frameworks for building therapy systems that keep patients engaged during long recovery periods.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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