MTDC introduces locally-made physiotherapy gadget

Norhalim Yunus

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 (Bernama) – Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) today introduced a new technology to help with wrist physiotherapy practice especially for stroke patients and patients undergoing therapies at the wrist area.

Labelled Wrehab, the technology was developed by Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) researcher, Idris Mat Sahat, in collaboration with private physiotherapist, Narimah Daud.

MTDC chief executive officer, Datuk Norhalim Yunus, said the idea – which came from Narimah – and the effort to make Wrehab by UMP was chosen to be highlighted in the ‘Usahawan Symbiosis MTDC’ programme.

“We financed a group of young entrepreneurs under the ‘Commercialisation of Research and Development Fund 1’ grant totalling RM335,000. Under the supervision of MTDC, the group established a company named Medivice PLT and worked with UMP to commercialise the results of local research and innovation.”

Norhalim, in a media conference after the pre-launch of Wrehab, said Medivice PLT has successfully developed the prototype of Wrehab in commercial form for large-scale production that can be marketed locally and internationally. 

Also present during the event was UMP deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs & alumni), Professor Datuk Dr Yuserrie Zainuddin.

Medivice PLT’s chief executive officer, Mohd Sharul Fizam, said, “Wrehab was also introduced to the medical industry practitioners and health care providers such as doctors and therapists. They will try out the four-kilo mobile therapeutic device for a month to collect data that can be used for product enhancements before they are marketed.”

Meanwhile, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan’s Rehabilitation Medicine Department rehab specialist, Dr Rahimah Nawi, said the technology is the first of its kind in the country, and beneficial in saving time and energy, as well as providing a boost to a physiotherapy session.  

“Their partnership with experts and therapists before it is marketed is very good because we can provide feedback for product improvements,” added Rahimah.

Idris, who is also a lecturer at UMP’s Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, will work with Medivice PLT for the improvement phase of Wrehab.

--BERNAMA