The MS hand: Measuring hand function with a smart glove

Hand function is currently very hard to measure accurately. Existing tests, like the Nine-Hole Peg Test, or grip-strength tests, only give a limited picture. These tests only show how someone uses their hands in the clinic, not in real-world situations. We need better ways of measuring hand function so we can better understand MS progression. And track whether treatments are working both in routine clinical practice and clinical trials.  

About the project  

The team has developed an electronic ‘smart glove’ for people with MS. It's simple to use and could be used at home. The glove can measure different aspects of hand function, including strength, range of movement, speed of movement, and feeling.  

The team have developed 3D printing techniques so each glove can quickly be made to measure for each person. They have printed a working prototype that they will test in this project.  

This PhD project will have three main phases: 

1. The student will start by holding a workshop with people with MS. They'll make sure the glove is collecting the data that matters most to them. They'll then make changes to the prototype based on this feedback. 
2. They’ll invite people with and without MS to test the glove. They’ll also perform standard tests of strength and movement, as well as asking questions about any other health problems. 
3. They’ll adapt the glove to make sure it can be used at home. They’ll ask 35 people with MS to use the glove in their own home (with the student’s support), or in the hospital. They’ll repeat this testing after 12 months to check if the glove can accurately detect changes in hand function over that time. 

The aim is for the glove to provide accurate, reliable readings from people with MS. The next step would be to develop a version that can be used independently at home. 

How will it help people with MS?  

If successful, the ‘smart glove’ will be able to be used in different settings to improve clinical care and clinical trials. This will be particularly important for trials for progressive MS. It could offer a sensitive and reliable way to measure whether treatments are working. Because the glove could be used at home, it could also open up more opportunities. People with advanced MS could be able to participate in clinical trials.