Our research Movement disorders Improved diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (BiRD device) 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 Click here to download our factsheet. 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)