Timothy Scott
Monash University
Associate Professor Tim Scott has been awarded a 12-month Study Melbourne Research Partnerships program grant for his project titled…
Development of a low-cost, bimanual device for stroke neurorehabilitation
International Partner: University of Da Nang, Vietnam
The Faculty of Engineering at Monash University is a vibrant, well-resourced, research- intensive engineering school with a state-of-the-art fabrication facility and prototyping centre. Fabrication support will also be provided by the Mechanical and Aerospace Technical Services Group (MAETSG), a well-staffed facility capable of machining, manufacturing components and systems, and fabricating items in a wide range of metals and non-metallic materials. The University of Da Nang Makerspace has extensive fabrication and quality assurance capabilities and includes two fully-equipped wood and metal workshops.
A new low-cost device to help stroke patients independently undertake physical therapy
- A bilateral, low-cost device will allow patients to retrain their muscles from the comfort of their own homes
- Most current technologies are expensive and require patients to spend a considerable amount of time in hospitals with physical therapists
- Will help patients to become stronger and to rebuild self-esteem
Learn more about the other researchers who have also been awarded a Study Melbourne Research Partnerships program grant in 2021.
A joint project by Monash University and the University of Da Nang will develop new, low cost technology that enables stroke patients to independently conduct neuro-rehabilitation physical therapy exercises. This bilateral, low-cost device will allow patients to retrain their muscles from the comfort of their own homes or from nearby clinics.
Most current technologies are expensive and require patients to spend a considerable amount of time in hospitals with physical therapists. Unfortunately, physical therapy units in the developing world are often understated and lack the support necessary to properly care for stroke patients. As it is difficult for patients to receive proper retraining procedures, they usually do not reach their full potential for regaining motor function.
By giving stroke patients the tools and means to retrain their muscle coordination and mobility, it helps them not only to become stronger, but to rebuild self-esteem and regain independence in their everyday lives. Designed specifically for compact size, these devices can be packed into small parcels, ready to ship to hospitals or directly to people’s homes with straightforward and immediate set-up instructions.
The project will utilise additive manufacturing facilities within both Associate Professor Scott’s own lab and the Woodside FutureLab, as well as those available in the Monash Makerspace, a state-of-the-art fabrication facility and prototyping centre. It will also utilise The University of Da Nang Makerspace which has extensive fabrication and quality assurance capabilities.
The ultimate trajectory will be to carve out a niche in the multi-billion-dollar stroke rehabilitation industry with an inexpensive device that helps patients retrain their upper-limb motor skills from home.