Using computer vision to identify tics in people with Tourette Syndrome
Official title: SCH: Computer Vision Algorithms to Detect Tics In Patients with Tourette Syndrome
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10817272 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a smart system that can spot and understand tics in people with Tourette Syndrome while they do different activities, with the goal of helping them practice behavior therapy skills more easily and effectively, even without a human partner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS135613-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817272 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome who are seeking effective management strategies for their tics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Tourette Syndrome or those who have already achieved satisfactory tic management through other means may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop advanced computer vision algorithms that can detect and classify tics in patients with Tourette Syndrome (TS) during various activities. By creating a multi-view sensor system, the project will gather data on tic occurrences, which will be used to refine a hierarchical ontology of tics. The ultimate goal is to create a digital practice partner that can assist patients in practicing behavior therapy skills, making treatment more accessible and effective. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of traditional behavior therapy, particularly the need for a human practice partner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a reliable tool to practice and manage their tics more effectively, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using technology for behavioral interventions, but this specific approach utilizing computer vision for tic detection is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vidal, Rene — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Vidal, Rene
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Precision brain mapping of tics in children with Tourette syndrome
A new study uses advanced MRI to map brain activity in individual kids with Tourette syndrome to understand why tics differ from child to child.
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Digital tic-detection partner to support Tourette syndrome therapy
A computer vision system will help detect tics in children and youths with Tourette syndrome to support behavioral therapy at home and in real life.
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Quantifying Tourette tics with video and computer tools
This project aims to develop and test video-based, automated ways to measure tic severity in people with Tourette Syndrome.
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Brain-feedback training to help teens with Tourette control tics
This project teaches teenagers with Tourette syndrome to use real-time MRI brain-feedback to change activity in a motor brain area with the goal of reducing tics.
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International collaboration mapping genes and brain scans in Tourette syndrome
This project brings together MRI brain scans and genetic data from people with Tourette syndrome and related conditions to spot biological patterns linked to tics and co-occurring symptoms.
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How Tourette syndrome develops in the brain
Researchers are using donated brain tissue and patient-derived stem cells to learn why people with Tourette syndrome have fewer specific brain cells in the basal ganglia.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.