SqueezAble: Combining novel soft-sensing technology and interactive gamification to revolutionise upper-limb therapy for paediatric cerebral palsy patients

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In the UK there are an estimated 187,000 children living with an arm disability, and 85m worldwide. Without regular occupational therapy for upper limb and hand strength, dexterity and movement range, a child's condition is likely to deteriorate and impact their ability to live in functional independence in adulthood. A child must learn to independently complete unimanual and bimanual activities of daily living (ADLs), requiring them to use their hands individually or both hands simultaneously, to be able to complete everyday tasks like eating, writing and washing. Many arm disabilities are linked to neurological disorders, such as Cerebral Palsy (CP), which affects coordination, precision and timing of movements. In this project, we will work with a group of children with Paediatric CP to test, develop and measure the impact of a new therapeutic device for children's health, SqueezAble. SqueezAble will use a patent-pending soft-sensor technology to create a new paradigm in rehabilitation technology, providing a novel alternative to common soft therapy objects like Thera-putty. SqueezAble will feature a modular design and sensory outputs activated by user movement, driving occupational therapy exercises through precise data capture. Our aim is to demonstrate that SqueezAble is effective when used for upper limb and hand training, specifically to complete unimanual and bimanual activities. The project will include ongoing usability studies to provide insight on design, motivation to play and ability to support functionally-relevant exercises for paediatric OT. Post-project we intend to validate efficacy via a clinical feasibility study. SqueezAble builds on GripAble's work to date, which includes developing novel hardware to train, monitor and measure hand-grip (GripAble Flex). GripAble Flex has shown to enhance therapy and has been validated in Clinical Studies and published in six peer-reviewed journals. The project draws on the expertise of Imperial College London, world-leading specialists in soft-sensor technology and innovation in electroconductive material, within the Department of Bioengineering. While the project has a focus on applications for Paediatric CP, there is significant potential for secondary markets. SqueezAble will have general application in upper limb and hand occupational and physiotherapy, agnostic of disability, disorder or age group e.g flexor tendon rehabilitation for thumb injuries.