Wearable EMG smart garment supporting personlised training programs for autistic children (SETU_2024_203) South East Technological University (Waterford) in Ireland

Project Key Words: Autism, Electromyograph, Smart garmentPost summaryDesigning clothing for children with autism requires careful consideration of their unique sensory, comfort, and functional needs. Typically, children with autism tend to be less physically active than neurotypical children (NT). By designing and creating a smart garment considering such unique needs has the potential to help increase the physical activity (PA) for such children’s motor skills and physical fitness. Smart wearable garments are evolving, adopting modular design methods as well as interchangeable technology capabilities allowing for the use of varied devices such as, electromyography (EMG) technologies to support activity analysis and muscle data analysis. This is an area that has not been exploited to date to support exercise programs for autistic children. The PhD Scholarship will focus on identifying the most suitable clothing design methodology for a smart wearable garment capable of housing EMG miniature devices to provide meaningful activity and muscle data analysis when worn by autistic children during their exercise activities. Embroidered textile electrodes will be utilized allowing for a more seamless embedded monitoring approach in the garment, abiding with the need for more sensory-friendly, soft and non-irritation requirements from a wearability perspective. Knowledge & ExperienceEssential·       Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or 2.1 Honours) or M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Textile Design & Fashion, Sport related Science Degree or Electronic Engineering). ·       The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and will require excellent communication skills and will have an interest to upskill and be creative in designing and creating sports garment prototypes with embedded electromyography (EMG) technologies.  Desirable·       MSc in a related degree. ·       Experience of working with autistic individuals. ·       Experience of working with electromyography (EMG) technologies to support activity analysis and muscle data analysis. ·       Practical research experience engaging with hard to reach populations or patient groups. Skills & CompetenciesEssential·       Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate on application that they meet SETU’s English language requirements and provide all necessary documentation. See Page 7 of the Code of Practice ·       In order to be shortlisted for interview, you must meet the SETU English speaking requirements so please provide evidence in your application. ·       Excellent communication skills (written and verbal). ·       Comprehensive analytical and problem solving skills.  ·       Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint. ·       Highly motivated and self-directed with good time and project management skills. ·       Be willing to travel for research purposes. Desirable.     Experience communicating with health professionals and/or patient populations.·       Display a track record in scholarly publishing. ·       Aptitude for project planning and management. ·       Ability to work both as a team member and as an independent researcher. ·       Experience collecting and managing large data sets.