Cambridge-based Microsoft Research have teamed up with pharmaceutical company Novartis to ‘repurpose’ video game technology for the benefit of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
Xbox’s Kinect, a sensor system used for interactive gaming, has been reconfigured by the duo to analyse patients’ movements and determine the effectiveness of Novartis’ treatment drugs.
Several years ago, the Swiss-based pharmaceutical firm developed a standard set of tests titled Assess MS, which involved patients being asked to touch their nose or sit with their arms outstretched, whilst doctors observed their movements to determine the strength of their MS symptoms.
The method was criticised for its subjectivity – as results were wholly reliant on the personal judgement of the doctor in question.
However, teaming up with Novartis, Microsoft Research have pioneered a solution to this problem in the form of a machine-learning algorithm based on their Kinect system.
The concept is simple: Sufferers will wear the Kinect during testing, whilst the new system assesses their body movements and provides an analysis of their symptoms.
Microsoft Research have successfully tested the technology on a small sample of MS sufferers. The next step will be to trial Assess MS in practice, to see how it works with a broader number of patients.
Vas Narasimhan, global head of development at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: “Novartis is leveraging digital technologies to transform patient care and drug development.”
“We are excited about our collaboration with Microsoft Research to develop Assess MS, a more consistent way to measure motor dysfunctions caused by multiple sclerosis – which could lead to the development of better therapies and care for patients.”
At EnViva Care, our experienced staff can provide managed care in the home for individuals with conditions including multiple sclerosis. For more information about the services we provide, please contact us.
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