Researchers receive grant to study phone apps for measuring TBI
Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) have received a grant that will allow them to study how smartphone apps and video game technology may help improve the assessment of patients who suffer traumatic brain injury.
The grant was given to the team by the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV).
“The study by USC PhD students and practicing neurological physiotherapists Michelle Kahn and Megan Banky aims to develop low-cost technology for clinicians to use when measuring outcomes for patients with Acquired Brain Injury(ABI),” an article by Noosa News reads. “The pair, who work at Epworth Hospital, were delighted to receive a $57,000 Sir Edmund Herring Memorial Scholarship from the RACV that will help them find ways to assist people who have sustained brain injuries from vehicle crashes.”
Researchers currently use methods of assessing people with ABI using motion tracking systems that cost about $250,000 and are only available in a few locations in each state, according to the article.
But researchers from USC explain that while smartphones and video games get continual updates, researchers are still using technology developed in the 1950s to measure brain trauma.
“We want to utilize the modern motion sensor technology used in mobile phones and devices like the Xbox to measure a patient’s impairments, whether that’s a walking abnormality, spasticity or problems with upper limb movement, Kahn says in the article. “Because of the low cost of this equipment, this technology could be immediately integrated into hospitals and smaller clinics, including in rural or remote areas. This would allow people to access more accurate assessment and therefore better treatment sooner.”
The Sir Edmund Herring Memorial Scholarship supports projects to prevent road trauma and improve the quality of care delivered to road trauma victims.
The research is being supervised by USC Senior Research Fellow Dr Ross Clark, along with expert clinicians Professor John Olver and Associate Professor Gavin Williams.
