Wearables

Movement disorders are often a lifelong condition. However, they can vary greatly over the course of a day and due to other influences such as stress, sleep, diet and medication. Patients often find it difficult to describe their symptoms accurately in the relatively short time they have to visit the doctor. This makes it difficult for the doctor to tailor treatments to the patient's individual needs. This is where wearables come in - portable devices with sensors, clothing or jewellery. They can record mobility impairments 24 hours a day, more accurately than memory or a symptom diary, and provide therapists with processed data. In our research group, we are investigating how the accuracy of data collected by wearables compares to established tests routinely used by doctors to assess movement disorders. On the other hand, we are interested in whether the use of wearables actually leads to an improvement in treatment that is reflected in greater patient satisfaction.