Lauren, a sixteen-year-old pupil at Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. Lauren's father Gerard has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and this year she took part in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition where, with the aid of a 3D printer, Lauren created a rehabilitation device for people with MS, which aims to counteract hand closure due to spasm.
Lauren's hard work and efforts were recognised and rewarded at this year's event and she has received the annual award sponsored by The Irish Patent Office in recognition for modern technology being used to solve a problem and she was also awarded third place in the Technology Intermediate category of the competition. Lauren was one of 30 students chosen out of the BT Young Scientist’s 1,200 entrants to participate in four-day skills and mentoring bootcamp at UCD to help turn their ideas into valuable business propositions.
Lauren took some time out to chat with MS Ireland about her rehabilitation aid and her plans for the future...
What gave you the idea/inspiration for your rehabilitation aid?
I got the idea for the rehabilitation aid as I had seen how clenched my dad’s hand has become by having a clenched fist and the impact that this has on his quality of life.
Could you describe to us how the rehabilitation aid works?
The rehabilitation aid fits into the palm or back of the hand, and has elastics that can be adjusted to assist opening or closing the hand.
Did you experience any difficulties or challenges during this project? If so what were the main challenges you experienced and how did you overcome them?
I had hoped to use muscle wire to open the hand, but the contraction provided by the muscle wire was too weak, and so I incorporated holes into the 3D printed device which allowed the elastics to be adjusted thereby allowing adjustments to take place depending on the patients needs. My earlier prototype supported the wrist and the forearm but this was very cumbersome and pinched the skin also the patient needed assistance to put it on.
What was the most rewarding part of the whole experience for you?The most rewarding part of my experience was seeing my dad improve and regain some independence.
What kind of feedback and responses have you had throughout the process and from people with MS on your work?
I have had lots of interest on my project from health professionals and from MS, stroke and elderly patients.
How has this feedback been helpful to your work?
The feedback has really helped me to ensure that the prototypes satisfied the patients.
Did you experience much outside support during this project? If so where did that support come from and how did it help with your project?
Dave Head, the 3D designer was very helpful, in creating the 3D prototype. The occupational therapists in the royal Hospital Donnybrook helped me brainstorm the entire process.
Do you intend to continue to develop your rehabilitation aid?
Yes I do intend to pursue my project and I found the BT Business Bootcamp really helpful!
What did you learn at the BT Business Bootcamp in UCD and what was the experience like?
I learnt so much about the process in setting up a business, and the importance of finding the right partner who shares the same goals. The experience was amazing, and I met so many inspirational people.
Is there anything you would have done differently or have changed about your experience?
I would have tried to have gotten some sponsorship which would have enabled me to trial the devices with a larger group of people.
Have you any other ideas or plans for future designs you would like to accomplish?
Yes I have, but my thoughts about the future really hinge on finding the right partner.
What would be your advice for those wishing to take part in next year's competition?
To start the project as early as possible. Get as much advice and support as you can. Draw out a plan and a list of goals and stick to it.
Congratulations Lauren!
MS Ireland would like to thank Lauren for taking the time to speak with us and wish her the best of luck with her rehabilitation aid and any other future plans or projects!
Further reading