New-generation wrist exoskeleton with variable stiffness and optimized biomechanics for tremor suppression

Parkinsons disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects over 10 million individuals globally. Tremors, which are the most prevalent symptom, afflict approximately 80% of PD patients.

These tremors can significantly hinder daily activities such as eating, dressing, and washing, among others, and can also impose a substantial psychological burden on the affected individuals.

Consequently, suppressing tremors in PD patients is crucial for enhancing their quality of life and alleviating psychological stress.

In response to this need, Dr Guohui Wang, an experienced researcher from Shanghai University in China, moving to the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom to collaborate on the project titled ""New-generation wrist exoskeleton with variable stiffness and optimized biomechanics for tremor suppression (NextTremor)"" under supervision of Dr Xijin Hua and Prof.

Marios Politis.

The objective of this project is to design and develop an innovative, lightweight, and cost-effective 3D-printed wrist exoskeleton with adjustable stiffness, which facilitates personalization and optimizes biomechanics for the effective suppression of tremors of varying intensities.

The project will leverage the fellow's expertise in mechatronics, sensors, wearable devices, and 3D printing, in conjunction with the primary supervisor's proficiency in musculoskeletal modelling and human movement analysis, and will be further supported by the secondary supervisor's specialized knowledge in PD.

Thus, this initiative seeks to establish a knowledge-sharing platform that enables the fellow to acquire new skills while fostering the exchange of expertise between the fellow and the host in the domains of biomechanics, musculoskeletal modelling, human movement analysis, mechatronics, sensors, wearable devices, 3D printing, and Parkinson's disease.