Currently, the accuracy of diagnosing Parkinson’s disease is limited by differences in referral habits by general practitioners, restricted availability of specialist neurologists, and inadequate access to health services in remote regions.

Researchers at the Bionics Institute are developing the Bionics Institute Rigidity Device (BiRD) designed to monitor the four main symptoms that define Parkinson’s disease: hand tremor, slowness, muscle rigidity (stiffness), and poor balance.

Further information

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Research team

Program leader:  Dr Thushara Perera

Team members: Prof Hugh McDermott, Mr Angus Begg

Collaborators: Dr. Richard Peppard (St Vincent's Hospital), Ms Mary Jones (Swinburne University), Ms Elizabeth Proud (University of Melbourne)