Research summary
Osteoarthritis affects almost 20 per cent of Canadians and is a leading cause of disability. It is estimated that by 2030, dealing with the disease will cost the country more than $7 billion per year in direct and indirect costs. As Canada Research Chair in Assistive Technologies, Dr. Marianne Black aims to address the pressing need for non-surgical options to manage osteoarthritis.
She and her research team are developing assistive technology to help individuals manage their osteoarthritic pain. They are identifying the needs of individuals with the condition and using this information to develop and assess assistive technologies. They are focussing on three main areas: augmented reality for the rehabilitation of lower limbs, wearable technologies for gait rehabilitation, and a mobile app for hand osteoarthritis rehabilitation. Ultimately, their research will support the needs of Canadians who suffer from osteoarthritis.