BMERIT Cyberstride

What it does

Cyberstride solves the lack of quantitative data in physiotherapy by integrating sensors onto walkers to track patient metrics. The data is streamed to a web app for easy and insightful caregiver review.

Your inspiration

This project originated from conversations with physiotherapists who expressed a need for better data collection during patient sessions. Relying solely on qualitative observations made it difficult to consistently track patient progress or tailor treatment plans. Cyberstride addresses this by integrating lightweight sensor modules onto walkers, allowing for real-time, quantitative analysis of mobility metrics. This empowers caregivers to make more informed decisions and monitor recovery trends with greater accuracy.

How it works

CyberStride mounts lightweight sensor modules onto standard walkers using adjustable 3D-printed clamps secured with nuts and bolts. These modules include IR sensors for step detection, Hall effect sensors for wheel rotation and distance, and pressure sensors on the handles to track grip force. All electronics are housed in modular encasings and positioned for easy attachment to different walker types without any permanent modifications. During patient use, the sensors gather mobility metrics such as step count, bilateral pressure, speed, and distance. The data is wirelessly transmitted via Bluetooth to a custom web application, where it’s displayed through clear visualizations for therapist review. This wireless system eliminates the need for wires or mounted screens, making CyberStride safer and more adaptable in clinical settings. The design prioritizes ease of assembly, modularity, and compatibility with existing mobility aids.

Design process

In collaboration with Alberta Foothills Hospital, Cyberstride was built to address the mobility needs of patients with neurological disease, neuromuscular disorders, disabilities, injuries, or age-related conditions. In its first iteration, the team designed a walker equipped with pressure sensors on the handles, Hall effect sensors on the wheels to measure speed and distance, IR sensors to count steps, and a touchscreen to visualize the data. This design successfully demonstrated the value of data-driven insights for patient care, but the wired connections posed minor tripping risks and the mounted interface limited flexibility across different walker models. Building on this success, the second prototype proposes a more modular, flexible and intuitive design. This iteration introduced wireless Bluetooth sensors and microcontrollers to replace the wired connections, sending data directly to a web app accessible via a tablet or computer, eliminating the need for the clamped-on touchscreen interface. The web app provides a much more robust and detailed view of patient mobility data, allowing healthcare assistants to monitor progress on metrics such as step count, step length, and bilateral hand force more effectively and make informed decisions about care.

How it is different

CyberStride is designed for clinical use, addressing the need for accessible mobility data in hospitals and rehab centers for patients with walking impairments. Unlike costly or bulky systems, CyberStride is affordable, easy to assemble, and mounts onto any standard walker without the need for repeated disassembly. Its modular sensors track key mobility metrics like steps, distance, and grip force, then wirelessly send the data to a secure and intuitive web app for the therapists to review. Furthermore, the system is fully transferable between patients and walker models, making it ideal for busy clinical settings. The software’s clean interface is tailored for clinical use, helping therapists interpret data quickly and make informed decisions.

Future plans

We are currently developing the second prototype of CyberStride, focusing on enhancing wireless sensor integration, strengthening sensor module encasings, and optimizing the web app’s user interface. We are finalizing a secure data handling strategy to transmit walker data without storing it on the microcontrollers or web app, protecting patient privacy while ensuring healthcare assistants have access to it later. Looking ahead, we aim to integrate a metronome and heart rate monitoring, while improving battery life and weatherproofing the system for long-term clinical use across a wide range of walker models.

Awards

Cyberstride was recognized at Biodesign Synergy 2024, a biomedical innovation challenge co-hosted by McGill University and the University of Calgary, for Best Technical Execution. It was selected to be presented at the 2025 #EndPJParalysis Conference as a tool to motivate and help patients admitted into long term care.