The PacePartner, a wearable that supports Parkinson’s patients in making larger movements, was developed by a group of electrical engineering students at the University of Twente. For this wearable medical device, they have been awarded the Niers Fund eHealth Voucher worth €5,000. They were presented with the prize at the TechMed event on 6 November. A second prize of €1,500, which was also presented at the event, went to SensorSok, a wearable that helps measure and visualise pressure in protheses.
PacePartner – a wearable that helps Parkinson’s patients with larger movements
The PacePartner focuses on the development of a wearable medical device that supports Parkinson’s patients in making larger movements when walking. This is important, as Parkinson’s often leads to reduced mobility and smaller movements, which increases the risk of falling and decreases independence. The Pace Partner detects small movements and gives an auditory or vibrating signal to encourage the patient to take bigger steps, based on the LSVT-BIG therapy (a s hort, intensive rehabilitation programme). The device distinguishes itself by alternating automatic signals, which prevents habituation. The prototype consists of sensors on the arm and ankle, linked to an app that analyses movements and offers personal settings. This is expected to have the following impact: improved quality of life for patients, more independence and a reduced workload for informal caregivers. Further developments focus on improving detection algorithms, ergonomic design and affordability.
Jury’s opinion
The jury sees the PacePartner as a concrete product that improves the quality of life of Parkinson’s patients. The developers intend to use the voucher to make the prototype more robust and to test it. According to the jury, it’s positive that the existing prototype has already been thoroughly tested with patients and that physiotherapists have been involved. Furthermore, the team consists of six students, each with their own specialisation, which makes the jury feel confident about the concrete follow-up steps.
Response by the students
Jirne Snijders, Dick Mensink, Stijn Kos, Guus Branderhorst, Marek Scholten and Zena van Hogen: “The project came about as part of a study assignment. In module 11 of the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, we had to develop a wearable medical device. After a few weeks of brainstorming, then student of physiotherapy Zena van Hogen came up with the idea of the PacePartner, which she had thought of for her innovation project. We thought that this was a good and viable idea. As it was also a good fit for our project, we decided to work together on a prototype of the PacePartner. At first, we weren’t planning to continue with the plan after the project, but the positive response by the patient, experts and professors motivated us to keep working on the PacePartner. In the end, it was UT Professor Bert-Jan van Beijnum who advised us to participate in the eHealth-voucher.”
INCENTIVE PRIZE
SensorSok – a wearable that helps measure and visualise pressure in protheses
The SensorSok by Bjorn Zomer is an innovative solution in the form of a sock to measure and visualise the pressure in protheses. This helps improve the adjustment process for prosthesis makers. The idea involves two concepts: the first uses conductive yarns in the sock to take pressure measurements, and the second uses electrical impedance tomography. Both methods allow prosthesis makers to receive feedback in real time and make immediate adjustments. The sock offers different visualisation options and a sculpting modus for adding or removing material. The prototype has already shown promising results, but it needs to be developed further. This technology has broad applications and market potential and can be used in rehabilitation, education and other sectors, such as aerospace. The project is getting positive feedback from experts and has the potential to evolve into a startup. Contact: Bjorn.zomer14@gmail.com
