Wearable Resilient and Improved-sensitivity Strain-sensing Technology for Parkinson’s Disease

"Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects over 10 million individuals globally and is projected to impact more than 25 million by 2050. Core motor symptoms, including bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity, progressively impair voluntary movement and daily functioning, creating substantial challenges for patients’ autonomy and quality of life. Accurate assessment and continuous monitoring of these motor symptoms in daily life are crucial for early diagnosis, timely intervention, and personalized therapy. In response to this need, Dr. Xuping Wu, an experienced researcher in flexible strain sensors and wearable electronics from New Jersey Institute of Technology in the United States, will join the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom to collaborate on the project titled ""Wearable Resilient and Improved-sensitivity Strain-sensing Technology for Parkinson’s Disease (Wrist-PD)"", under the supervision of Dr. Xijin Hua and Prof. Monica Craciun. The objective of this project is to develop an innovative, lightweight, and comfortable wristband system integrating ultra-sensitive, stretchable strain sensors, capable of capturing both subtle finger-induced micro-strains and gross wrist motions for continuous, non-intrusive monitoring of PD-related motor symptoms. The project will leverage the fellow’s expertise in flexible sensor design, materials engineering, and wireless system integration, combined with the primary supervisor’s proficiency in biomechanics, musculoskeletal modeling, and human movement analysis, and the secondary supervisor’s specialized knowledge in advanced materials, electronic devices, and nanotechnology. This initiative aims to establish a knowledge-sharing platform, enabling the fellow to acquire new skills while fostering the exchange of expertise in flexible sensors, wearable electronics, biomechanics, human movement analysis, and Parkinson’s disease assessment."