Marika Demers erg., PhD

Education

• B.Sc., Occupational therapy, Université de Montréal (2008)
• M.Sc., Readaptation sciences, McGill University (2014)
• Ph.D., Readaptation sciences, McGill University (2019)
• Post-doctorate, Biokinesiology and Physiotherapy Division, University of Southern California (2019-2022)

Current research projects

• Development of a dance-based version of the GRASP program
• Piano training to better cope with multiple sclerosis
• Soft robotic exoskeleton for sensorimotor rehabilitation of the hand after a stroke
• Use of inertial sensors for the assessment and treatment of upper limb motor impairments after a stroke
• The CIME Upper Limb Program: Development and implementation of an Intensification and Neuromodulation Clinic for individuals with spinal cord injury

Selected publications

• Cain A, Gunby T, Winstein C, Demers M. (2025) Integration of wearable technology into stroke rehabilitation: rehabilitation researchers’ perspectives. Disability and Rehabilitation : Assistive Technology. 20(5) : 1460-1469 Doi : 10.1080/17483107.2025.2459326
• Demers M, Charalambous M, Kwah LK, Thilarajah S, Bazadona D, Chapman S, Nasreldein A, Yperzeele L, Amoah D, Winstein C, Bernhardt J, Gopaul U. (2025) The unique needs and challenges experienced by young people with stroke: an international qualitative analysis. Neurology: Clinical Practice. 15(1):e200406. doi: 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200406.
• Demers M, Bishop L, Cain A, Saba J, Rowe J, Zondervan D, Winstein C. (2024) Wearable technology to capture arm use of stroke survivors in home and community settings: feasibility and insights on motor performance. Phys Ther (PTJ). 104(2):pzad172. DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzad172.
• Demers M, Cain A, Bishop L, Gunby T, Rowe J, Zondervan D, Winstein C. (2023) Understanding preferences of stroke survivors for feedback provision about functional movement behavior from wearable sensors: a mixed-methods study. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 20: 146. DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2789807/v1
• Demers M, Varhese R, Winstein C. (2022) Retrospective Analysis of Task-Specific Effects on Brain Activity after Stroke. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, section Motor Neuroscience. 16: 871239. doi : 10.3389/fnhum.2022.871239.
• Levin MF, Demers M (2021). Motor learning in neurological rehabilitation. Disabil Rehabil 2021; 43(24):3445-3453 doi: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1752317

Research interests

• Assessment of upper limbs
• Mechanisms underlying motor recovery after stroke
• Interventions using innovative rehabilitation approaches
• New technologies in rehabilitation
• Stroke