MS MHAIRI MCINNES

Biography

Graduating from Heriot Watt University with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering, Mhairi has come to the University of Aberdeen to undertake a PhD in Biomechanical Engineering, under the supervision of Prof. Ed Chadwick. The proposed project has been chosen for support from The Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland through scholarship funding. 

Mhairi is currently investigating the use of wearable inertial sensors for human motion analysis. Working in the Biomechanics lab in the Fraser Noble building, she has been assessing the accuracy of the Delsys inertial sensors, using the OptiTrack optical motion capture system for validation. 

With her interest in finding practical clinical solutions, Mhairi aims to incorporate feedback from local clinicians into her work, hoping to develop a user-friendly protocol for upper limb inertial sensor motion analysis during rehabilitation. 

Current Research

We are currently conducting a study into clinicians' perspectives on inertial motion capture for the upper limb.

Title: Clinicians’ perspectives on inertial sensors as an upper limb motion capture tool - in-person testing

Introduction: Inertial sensors are small, wearable sensors which can be used to track human motion, providing information about joint angles, movement speed, and movement quality. This information can be used to support clinical decision making, with regards to any pathologies or injuries which affect movement. To ensure that current inertial sensor research aligns with end-user requirements, we have proposed a study which will record physiotherapists' perspectives on inertial sensors, based on hands-on experience with the technology.

Objective: To understand the needs and expectations of physiotherapists with regards to an upper limb motion tracking tool based on inertial sensors.

Study Design: The study will ask a small group of physiotherapists (10-15) to test the inertial sensor equipment (with a healthy volunteer acting as the ‘patient’) and then participate in a focus group, discussing usability, the potential uses and remaining barriers. The session will take no longer 2hrs, will include staff from NHS Grampian, will be held at a location within Aberdeen which is convenient to the participants. We aim to recruit through existing connections our research team has within NHS Grampian, and through respondents from a survey we recently conducted who expressed an interest in further contact. Any physiotherapist with experience in treating or assessing upper limb conditions will be eligible.

Funding: This study is funded by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, through the PhD Scholarship held by the chief investigator.