Wearable tech lifts patient rehab

A MATCHBOX-sized motion tracker designed by university engineers to improve treatment for movement disorders and rehabilitation after surgery is already boosting the performance of the most unlikely patients — race horses and golfers.

Unlike motion tracking systems that record steps, heart rate, sleep and calories, the BioKin can pinpoint movement of limbs to the millimetre.

The 20g device is strapped to the limb, such as the hand of people recovering from wrist surgery or the legs of children with cerebral palsy.

The 10 wireless sensors in the device, developed over three years at Deakin University’s School of Engineering, capture the smallest movement and translate it into measures sent to the patient’s clinician or coach via an app.

Associate Professor Pubudu Pathirana said he hoped the low-cost device would allow more patients to complete their rehabilitation at home under remote supervision.

Researchers wait to do further clinical trials which are needed to register BioKin as a medical device.

Prof Pathirana said it had attracted outside interest.

A horse trainer has bought one to assess the animal’s range of movement.

And a Deakin engineering team member is using it to improve his green-side bunker shot.