Assistant professor
College of Rehabilitation Sciences
Department of Physical Therapy
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus
R115 – 771 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6
Phone: 204-789-3417
Fax: 204-789-3927
Email: mirella.veras@umanitoba.ca
Mirella Veras, PT, PhD, MSc
Research
Digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to enhance mobility, autonomy, and independence for middle-aged and older adults. Dr. Mirella Veras’ research focuses on developing AI-driven solutions that improve mobility and function while ensuring equitable access to digital health technologies.
Her work explores how AI can:
- Support rehabilitation and mobility in aging populations
- Improve primary and long-term care services
- Empower users to actively participate in their own healthcare
Veras is particularly interested in addressing the digital empowerment divide, ensuring that AI technologies benefit diverse populations and contribute to inclusive healthcare solutions. Her research informs clinical practices and policies, driving innovative, patient-centered AI applications for rehabilitation and healthcare delivery.
Research affiliations
- Adjunct research professor, Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University
- Researcher, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR)
Keywords
- Aging
- Artificial intelligence
- Digital empowerment divide
- Equity in digital health
- Mobility and function
Undergraduate research opportunity: Undergraduate Research Awards 2025
Abstract title
Developing an Evidence and Gap Map (EGM) for AI powered tools aimed at enhancing mobility and function in older adults
Abstract
This project focuses on developing an Evidence and Gap Map (EGM) for AI-powered tools aimed at enhancing mobility and function in older adults. The study will systematically identify AI-driven exercise programs, assess evidence quality, and highlight gaps in research addressing functional improvement and mobility. Following the Campbell Collaboration guidelines and PRISMA-AI standards, the project employs a framework to analyze equity, integration, governance, and humanization of AI solutions.
This EGM will synthesize findings from systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and pre- and post-intervention studies. In addition to supporting the EGM, the student will participate in data screening and reviews, as well as contribute to an upcoming pilot project involving robotics and AI for upper body rehabilitation in aging, Indigenous and stroke survivors.
This research will inform clinical practices and policies, driving innovative and equitable AI-driven rehabilitation approaches for older populations and stroke survivors.
Biography
Dr. Mirella Veras is an assistant professor in the department of physical therapy at the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.
Dr. Veras, originally from Brazil, completed her physiotherapy program there and obtained her physiotherapy diploma equivalence from McGill University in Canada. With over 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist, educator, and scientist, she has extensive experience spanning South and North America.
She received the CIHR Doctoral Research Award priority area Primary Health Care from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. During her PhD, she developed and validated a widely recognized survey to assess global health competencies among healthcare students, which is now used worldwide. For her post-doctoral fellowship, she evaluated the cost-effectiveness of a home-based telehealth exercise program using virtual reality for upper-limb rehabilitation post-stroke.
Dr. Veras has also worked as a consultant for the Pan-American Health Organization. Her combined roles as a professor, consultant and healthcare professional have honed her expertise in collaborating with academic institutions, communities, and organizations.
Her work aims to promote equity in digital health, particularly artificial intelligence, for diverse populations, aligning with local and global health priorities.
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellowship in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Postdoctoral Fellowship in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Diploma in Health Services and Policy Research, Ontario Training Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Equivalence Diploma in Physiotherapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
Contact us
College of Rehabilitation Sciences
P304 - 770 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6 Canada
204-789-3897
204-789-3927