Using a ring sensor to diagnose and monitor Parkinson's disease in rural areas
Official title: Ring wearable sensor use for diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson's disease in underserved rural populations
Funded at Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation · NIH-11231422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a simple and affordable ring that people with Parkinson's disease can wear every day to help doctors spot symptoms earlier and manage treatment, especially for those living in rural areas where specialist care is hard to find.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loretto, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $287,580 |
| NIH project number | 7R43MD018218-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11231422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in rural areas who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or are at risk for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in urban areas or those who do not have Parkinson's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a wearable ring sensor that can help diagnose and monitor Parkinson's disease (PD) in underserved rural populations. The ring is designed to be affordable and easy to use, allowing patients to wear it daily without needing an internet connection or advanced technology. By collecting data on symptoms, the ring can assist primary care physicians in diagnosing PD earlier and help specialists manage treatment remotely. This approach addresses the lack of access to neurologists in rural areas, improving patient care and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of Parkinson's disease for patients in rural communities.
How similar studies have gone: While wearable sensors for Parkinson's disease have been explored, this specific approach targeting rural populations with a user-friendly design is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation
Loretto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Havey, Gary D — Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation
- Study coordinator: Havey, Gary D
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.