'Smart glove' developed at UBC aims to aid stroke recovery
Recovering from a stroke can be a long journey.
Just ask Derick Sinclair.
He's been trying everything possible since his stroke more than a decade ago to regain maximum mobility and strength on his left side.
Sinclair is among a group of stroke survivors trying out a new “smart glove” at the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre.
The glove tracks hand and finger movements, information that can then be used to identify where Sinclair needs to focus his exercise.
The glove is being developed at the University of British Columbia in partnership with Vancouver startup Texavie.
"Many of these patients require frequent assessment of their movements,” said Dr. Peyman Servati, Texavie’s CEO and a UBC professor, in an interview with CTV News.
“We need to see how well they're moving and then they need to modify for example their exercises and routine to get the best rehab and recovery.”
The glove also takes advantage of artificial intelligence to help capture movement.
"It has machine learning all embedded within the software to recognize the movement,” explained Dr. Janice Eng, a leading stroke rehabilitation specialist at UBC, who also works with Vancouver Coastal Health.
“So that's actually how we know how much the wrist is actually moving, how much the hand is actually opening, is through artificial intelligence. So we are applying those algorithms now.”
The glove has potential for other uses, including in video games and movies.
But for Sinclair, he's hoping that by taking part in this research he helps makes a difference.
“I believe, if you participate in programs like this, it improves the likelihood of finding a solution,” he said. “Maybe not for myself, but for other stroke victims – I call them victims, because a stroke really victimizes your life – to have a better life.”
The findings from research involving the glove were recently published in Nature Machine Intelligence. The glove is not available for general use at this point, but Servati hopes to eventually bring it to the broader consumer market.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
Three teens charged for armed robbery at Kitchener jewelry store
Three teens were arrested for an armed robbery at a Kitchener jewelry store after witnesses caught and detained the suspects until officers arrived on scene.
Manhunt underway after 5 people injured in Kentucky shooting near Interstate 75, officials say
Several people have been shot near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Ky., according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s office.
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.