PhD Student Tests Wearable Technology for Parkinson's in Nigeria
Nigeria, Friday, 8 August 2025.
Olusoji Ogunbode conducts field tests in Nigeria with wearable tech to monitor Parkinson’s symptoms, aiming to enhance treatment and care for low-resource communities.
Wearable Technology in Parkinson’s Field Research
Olusoji Ogunbode, a PhD engineering student at Western University, conducted groundbreaking research over the summer of 2025 in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. He tested wearable technology that integrates sensors into clothing and textiles to monitor Parkinson’s disease symptoms like tremors and freezing episodes in real-time. This technology aims to provide essential metrics for clinicians, caregivers, and patients, potentially improving patient care significantly [1].
Addressing Parkinson’s in Low-Resource Settings
Parkinson’s disease is often misunderstood in areas like Nigeria, where healthcare resources are limited. Ogunbode, alongside Dr. Ajani Adegbenro Sunday from Kwara State University, aimed to develop affordable, locally manufacturable medical devices that empower communities rather than overwhelm them. This initiative forms part of the Frugal Biomedical Innovations Catalyst Grants program, set up in 2022 to enhance medical technology accessibility in remote and under-resourced communities across Northern Canada and Africa [1].
Integration of AI in Wearable Tech for Broader Health Monitoring
The integration of AI with wearable technology is not just a trend in Nigeria but a global movement towards a robust public health monitoring system. A review published in July 2023 highlighted the potential for AI-equipped wearables to transition from consumer gadgets to vital elements in public health infrastructure, capable of providing dynamic health system maps and early warnings for looming healthcare demands [2].
Challenges and Future Directions in Wearable Health Tech
Despite technological advancements, concerns around privacy and data protection are significant. A recent study from July 2025 assessed privacy practices of 24 iOS wearable companion apps, revealing that some gather up to 94% of possible data types. This highlights the urgent need for transparency and robust legal frameworks to protect user data, which is particularly vital as wearables become more integral to healthcare management [3].