SensoClip™
Converting stretch into clinically relevant data
The Challenge
In New Zealand, approximately six million physiotherapy sessions are conducted annually. In this context, elastic resistance bands are a popular tool due to their accessibility, portability, adaptability, low cost, and alignment with functional movement patterns. However, there are limitations to quantifying the amount of force applied to elastic resistance bands, which limits physiotherapists’ ability to accurately assess dynamic muscle strength and leaves patients without the ability to monitor how hard they are working during exercise.
The Solution
The SensoClip™ prototype can be attached to most elastic resistance bands, converting stretch into clinically relevant data (i.e., kilograms displaced, repetitions, speed of movement). The SensoClipTM has been designed to enhance rehabilitation by enabling physiotherapists to measure dynamic muscle strength through a method of quantitative data measurement that is not currently available in standard clinical practice. This will enhance their ability to tailor elastic resistance band exercise prescription to each patient.
The SensoClip™ and the accompanying software can also track progress over time and support users with exercise engagement. Displaying this data directly to the patient will enable them to monitor their exercise achievements and enhance their confidence in their exercise performance and motivation to exercise. The SensoClip™ device has significant potential for use in both clinical and home settings, with promising commercial opportunities in New Zealand and internationally.
Our Contribution
The development and early-stage commercialisation of SensoClipTM has been supported by funding from AUT Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, AUT Ventures, KiwiNet, and Te Tītoki Mataora MedTech Research Translator.
We supported commercialisation through market validation, advising on intellectual property, filing patent applications and executing contracts. For more details, please contact AUT Ventures.
Meet the Innovators
Dr Verna Stavric is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy and Programme Leader of the Masters of Physiotherapy Practice for the AUT School of Clinical Sciences.
Dr Sharon Olsen is a Senior Lecturer in the Physiotherapy Department at the School of Clinical Sciences.
Dr Andrew Lowe is the Director of the AUT Institute of Biomedical Technologies and a Professor in Mechanical Engineering with our School of Engineering and Computer Sciences.