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Precision Measurement: Enhanced Sensitivity

Published on September 22, 2023

Within the sphere of cutting-edge technology, leaders like Android and Apple are recognised for their advancements in biometric sensors for the general populace. However, a noticeable gap emerges when it comes to biometrics within clinical contexts.

Thorough internal testing by Beats Medical, in collaboration with users of our Parkinson’s application has demonstrated that, in comparison to the current state-of-the-art technology, our proprietary algorithms exhibit substantially higher levels of accuracy in tracking step counts for individuals living with CNS conditions.

Through our patented sensor adaptations and algorithms, Beats Medical outperform state-of-the-art technology in the measurement of altered movement and speech patterns seen in CNS Conditions and Rare Disease.

In direct contrast to the 83.8% and 90.6% accuracy rates achieved by industry giants Android and Apple when capturing steps taken by CNS patients (compared to clinician-monitored counts), our algorithmic technology achieved remarkable accuracy rates of 97.9% and 97.5% on Android and Apple devices, respectively.

This marginal error ensures that our users’ step counts align closely with the gold-standard of measurement, allowing us to attain exceptionally precise data and next-level insights.

Similarly, research conducted by Trinity College Dublin, a renowned national university, on our digitized 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) compared to the gold-standard clinician-administered assessment showcases a very strong positive correlation.

One of the most widely used statistical ways to show similarities between two data sets is through Pearson correlations. Pearson correlations range from -1 (indicating completely opposite datasets) to +1 (indicating identical datasets). The data comparing our digitised 2MWT to the traditional clinician-administered assessment has yielded a Pearson correlation of 0.98.

This speaks volumes about the remarkable proximity that our patented technology reaches in comparison to gold-standard practice measures.

The significance of more precise data cannot be overstated. It serves as the cornerstone for informed decision-making, thereby culminating in sharper insights and better patient outcomes. Specifically, the improved accuracy of biometric data improves our awareness of disease progression while fostering a deeper understanding of treatment efficacy— which in turn can help to shape more personalised treatment.

In clinical trials, the benefits are many, ranging from enhancing the recruitment and patient identification process to generating better quality data for analysis. Moreover, with accurate data being generated through a smartphone with no additional hardware or sensors required, the potential for generating real-world evidence is elevated to new heights.

For more information about how we can support your clinical trial pipeline, contact andrew@beatsmedical.com.

Dyspraxia Top Tips

Published on March 28, 2022

In this blog, the Beats Medical Dyspraxia App team share helpful and interesting stories, information, tips and experiences on Dyspraxia.

Gary Boyle

Published on March 28, 2022

Being diagnosed with young Onset Parkinson’s came as a huge shock to Gary. Over the past number of years he has become heavily involved in utilising a multi-disciplinary approach to managing his Parkinson’s

Padraig Barry

Published on March 28, 2022

Padraig was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when he was 53 years old.

John MacPhee

Published on March 28, 2022

Sonya has three children, Isabelle, Tilly and Darcy, all of whom have Dyspraxia.

DCD is a neurological disorder that makes it hard to plan and coordinate physical movement and it is believed to affect 1 in 10 children. DCD can affect fine motor, gross motor, speech skills and processing.

Sonya MacGillivary tells us her story as a mother of three children with Dyspraxia. She identified her children’s dyspraxia at different stages.

“Isabelle (11) didn’t reach all her milestones, she had bad verbal dyspraxia. I knew there was something off with her speech. It was like she had a silent stutter, she couldn’t get the words out, she was trying to talk to me and you could see her really trying hard.” Sonya brought Isabelle to a Speech Therapist and she was diagnosed at age 4. While Darcy (10), who was diagnosed at 7, had very bad hand writing and poor coordination. He couldn’t cycle a bike until age 8 and “he doesn’t like sports because if he goes to kick the ball he will fall backwards.”

In comparison, Sonya initially thought that her youngest Matilda (7) was fine. However, she was also diagnosed with DCD at age 6. Her handwriting is bad, and she has poor coordination. Sonya’s children are very accepting of their condition, but it can be upsetting at times. “Darcy was very upset that he couldn’t play GAA, when it comes to holding the ball and trying to kick it he couldn’t do it.” They have been described as being ‘lazy’ or ‘lackadaisical’, Sonya explains that this is not the case, it is part of their DCD. Sonya advises that her children need ‘movement breaks’ to keep them focused.

Despite best efforts, getting therapy for Dyspraxia can be challenging. The problem is that in Ireland the waiting lists for DCD interventions such as occupational therapy and speech therapy are very long. Sonya has noticed that it is now taking longer to access treatment since her first child was diagnosed. It took Isabelle 12 months to get access to care, Darcy who was diagnosed at 7 is still waiting for treatment and “they’re saying 20-24 months” for Sonya’s youngest, Matilda who was recently diagnosed.

Sonya and her children have been using the Beats Medical Dyspraxia App to access exercises and therapies at home, which the children have found really fun. Sonya says, “It’s a great way, especially if they are on waiting lists, to access some help and they can do all these exercises themselves and it’s all there on the screen.” Despite the daily challenges that the MacGillivray family face, they have a very positive outlook. Sonya’s children have learned how to deal with having DCD. Isabelle tells her mum “don’t rush me”, and Sonya explains that “she knows how to handle it, its just by taking time”.