Ataxia Instrumented Measurement Systems - AIMs
The AIMS is a medical-grade, robust, objective and ecological valid outcome measure of ataxia and balance. It has been developed by Deakin University’s Networked Sensing & Biomedical Engineering (NSBE) Lab, in partnership with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, initially for the quantitative assessment of Friedreich ataxia an inherited neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorder. The use of the AIMs is currently being extended to capture neurological deficits associated with another rare ataxia, Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA).
Ataxia Instrumented Measurement Systems - AIMs
380mAh Battery
Module PCBA
PCBA
PCBA
Pressure Sensor
400mAh Battery
PCBA
400mAh Battery
AIM-Pendant (AIM-P) uses kinematic sensors, machine learning, and cloud computing to objectively assess ataxia by measuring upright stability and truncal balance.
This work was supported by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) under the Biomedical Translation Bridge (BTB) Program.
AIM-Spoon (AIM-S) captures kinematic movements to objectively quantify ataxia using machine learning and cloud computing while engaging in activities of daily life (self-feeding).
AIM-Cup (AIM-C) captures kinetic and kinematic movements engaging in activities of daily life (self-drinking).
BioKin Mobile Application
DATA RETRIEVAL
Lambda function retrieves the data via an API call to display on the app
DATA COLLECTION
Capture data from the sensor
STORAGE
Processed data is stored in RDS-hosted MySQL database
DATA TRANSFER
Data is sent to AWS though API Gateway which triggers a Lambda function
Machine Learning
Lambda sends the data to SageMaker for estimate severity and progression
Use of AIMS Devices in Clinical Trials
The efficacy of rehabilitation on motor function in individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. A randomised controlled trial
Non-Interventional Study: Friedreich Ataxia Global Clinical Consortium UNIFIED Natural History Study (UNIFAI)
Applicability to clinical trials
Trial Flexibility
Customised use for adult clinical trials both in the clinic and home setting.
Data Security
Privacy and security – allocation of unique ID; all data stored and in-transit in AWS cloud and outside aligned with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) set out in the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
User Support
Personalized training/videos/user guide in place
Across Disease Stages
Facilitates measurement across the disease trajectory regardless of age and stage of disease severity.
Real-Time Scoring
Delivery of an ataxia severity score in real time.
IRB Expertise
Experience in IRB requirements
Validated Metrics
Established psychometric properties
Efficient Manufacturing
Streamlined device manufacture process.
Compliance
Data loggers built to ISO standards
Global Deployment
Experienced delivery of AIMs system to international sites
Inventors
Expert in biomedical sensing, motion capture, and machine learning for neurological disorders. Lead developer of AIMS and BioKin™, used in global clinical trials.
Neurologist and neurophysiologist, co-developer of the AIM system and creator of the globally adopted Parkinson’s Kinetigraph (PKG), backed by six international patents.
Cognitive neuroscientist with 20+ years’ focus on Friedreich ataxia. Develops clinical and instrumented measures for trials and care, and led the Friedreich Ataxia Clinical Management Guidelines.
Neurologist, Neuro-otologist and medical researcher. His clinical and research interests include diseases of the cerebellum, vestibular system and the combination of the two.
AIMs Research Partners Australia
AIMs is used in major international natural history studies across 14 sites in North America, United Kingdom, Europe and Oceania—including leading institutions like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) USA; Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) Melbourne, Australia; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Rome, Italy; Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic; McGill University, Montreal Canada; UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom.
