Occupational Therapist Transforms Stroke Recovery Through Robotics and Telehealth

A Visionary in Neurologic Rehabilitation

When Dr. Kristin Nuckols decided to become an occupational therapist at 13 years old, she could never have foreseen the incredible path her career would take. Today, she is at the forefront of innovation in neurologic rehabilitation, designing robotic devices and leading groundbreaking research.

After spending a decade in traditional clinical practice, Dr. Nuckols joined an interdisciplinary research team at Harvard University’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Using her expertise in neurologic rehabilitation, anatomy, and user experience, Dr. Nuckols collaborated with the team to develop wearable soft robots for individuals with physical and neurologic impairments. During this time, she also wrote and published her doctoral thesis on providing telehealth-based neurologic rehabilitation. Her innovative work and contributions laid the foundation for Imago Rehab, Inc., a company she cofounded in 2021 that provides virtual therapy paired with robotic devices for survivors of stroke. Dr. Nuckols’s vision is clear: to make stroke rehabilitation more accessible, effective, and impactful by leveraging cutting-edge technology. Her passion for stroke rehabilitation has transformed not only her clients’ lives but also the entire field of neurorehabilitation.

A New Era of Accessible Stroke Rehabilitation

Imago Rehab is a groundbreaking solution to the barriers that survivors of a wide range of neurological conditions face in accessing high-quality rehabilitation. By offering therapy in a virtual setting, Imago Rehab removes geographical and transportation challenges, delivering evidence-based neurorehabilitation directly to clients in the comfort of their home. Clients spend two hours per week in therapy and 166 hours per week outside of therapy sessions, giving them ample opportunities for the practice of correct and/or purposeful movement to drive functional, lasting changes through neuroplasticity. Imago Rehab emphasizes to client’s that their life has become their therapy. This approach empowers clients to engage in therapeutic movements throughout their daily lives and take ownership in their recovery process.

“This is the most effective therapy program I’ve tried.”

Imago Rehab client, two years post stroke

Imago Rehab has already achieved impressive results, completing nearly 3,000 therapy sessions, with clinical outcomes surpassing traditional therapy methods. The company’s innovative model not only increases access to care but also fosters a deeper connection between clients and their recovery, enabling them to take ownership of their rehabilitation journey.

Pioneering Evidence-Based, Tech-Driven Care

Under Dr. Nuckols’s leadership as chief clinical officer, Imago Rehab is setting new standards in stroke recovery. The company’s approach integrates advanced technology, personalized care plans, and a commitment to high repetition therapy tasks, all designed to drive functional improvement. Clients benefit from Imago Rehab’s proprietary soft robotic glove, which enhances rehabilitation experiences, and the clinical team’s expertise in virtual stroke recovery.

“For a neurologic client, this is a dream.”

Neurologist from Boston, MA

In addition to her work at Imago Rehab, Dr. Nuckols is a co-primary investigator on a grant from the National Science Foundation. She is working with Harvard University professors and a physician from Massachusetts General Hospital to develop, test, and commercialize an inflatable wearable upper limb assistance device that survivors of stroke can use at home. These efforts reflect her ongoing dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in stroke recovery, further solidifying her reputation as a visionary leader in the field.

With several approved and pending patents and fundraising that has surpassed projections, Dr. Nuckols and Imago Rehab are poised to make a profound impact on stroke rehabilitation, providing life-changing care to millions of Americans while transforming the way neurologic rehabilitation is delivered.