Dr. Wei Li of UT Austin has recently been accepted into the prestigious National Science Foundation’s National I-Corps™ program, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of healthcare technology. Dr. Li’s innovative project focuses on developing a novel knitted fabric sensing wearable designed to monitor and classify swallowing actions in real-time, promising to transform the diagnosis and management of dysphagia—a condition affecting swallowing.
This groundbreaking technology integrates three knitted strain sensors into a low-profile, form-fitting collar that ensures comfort and discretion, blending seamlessly with everyday attire. The wearable device’s continuous, real-time monitoring capabilities, enabled by Bluetooth data transmission to a graphical user interface (GUI), allow for immediate clinical feedback and facilitate both clinical and home-care applications.
Dr. Li highlights the significance of this innovation: “Our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional clinical evaluations and modern technological advancements. This wearable technology offers a promising solution to enhance patient outcomes and facilitate proactive healthcare monitoring.”
Traditional dysphagia management methods are often invasive, uncomfortable, and costly. Dr. Li’s wearable device disrupts these conventional approaches by offering a non-invasive, continuous monitoring solution that increases diagnostic precision and reduces clinical session times. With the capability to monitor for up to 12 hours per battery charge, this technology supports early intervention and expands clinician capacity, integrating seamlessly into telehealth frameworks.
The device’s high comfort and usability make it suitable for continuous wear, potentially improving patient outcomes through early detection and management of swallowing disorders. Its real-time data transmission capability supports remote health monitoring, reducing the need for frequent clinical visits and enabling better patient care coordination. The broader implications of this technology extend beyond dysphagia, with potential applications in other muscle monitoring needs, paving the way for widespread adoption of precise health monitoring practices.
Dr. Li’s acceptance into the NSF National I-Corps program is a testament to the transformative potential of his research. Leading the dedicated I-Corps team are Entrepreneurial Lead David Zhang, a doctoral student specializing in biosensor design and data analytics, and I-Corps Mentor Dr. Binod Shrestha, a seasoned healthcare professional and business strategist. This dynamic team is well-equipped to navigate the complex path from research to market, driven by a shared vision of transforming healthcare through innovative technology.
Dr. Li extends his gratitude to his colleagues who have significantly contributed to this project. Jonathan Y. Chen, Ph.D., an advising professor in the Textile & Apparel Department at UT Austin, brought over 30 years of expertise in textile science and engineering, specializing in renewable fibers and the development of advanced materials for medical applications. Dr. Corinne Jones, CCC-SLP, Ph.D., an advising professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Science at UT Austin, offered her expertise in swallowing disorders, blending advanced clinical training and a neuroscience background to innovate in the assessment and treatment of dysphagia.
For those interested in seeing this technology in action, a demonstration video titled “A Wearable Fabric Sensing Device for Dysphagia in Parkinson’s Disease” is available on YouTube here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyjIeWGBt1U).
Dr. Li’s groundbreaking work and participation in the National I-Corps program highlight the University of Texas at Austin’s commitment to pioneering research and innovation. This project exemplifies the impact of academic research on real-world healthcare challenges, promising a future where wearable technology enhances patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
Learn more about the NSF I-Corps program and apply for the next cohort online. For more information and to learn more about the NSF I-Corps program, contact Weston Waldo at weston.waldo@austin.utexas.edu
