Developing a product of clinical value takes time

With their user-friendly measurement instrument for the quantification of spasticity, Jules Becher and Jaap Harlaar aim to revolutionise therapy in children with spasticity. Becher explains that the cause of spastic muscles can be of neurophysiological or biomechanical origin, each requiring specific therapy. By employing three different sensors the new device can pinpoint the precise cause of spastic muscle so that the most effective therapeutic approach can be applied.

According to Harlaar the development of the new device has until now taken approximately three years. “From the onset we had a clear concept of the device, but to translate that into a product of clinical value sure takes some time. It has to be convenient to apply, affordable, and comprehensible, to name the most important aspects.” Becher and Harlaar realised their instrument would not find its way into clinical practice until the underlying knowledge had become commonplace. That is why they organised two European Consensus Meetings among physicians and scientists working in paediatric and adult neurorehabilitation, underpinning the diagnostic relevance of their device. The enthusiastic feedback confirmed they are on the right track.