19th March 2025
A novel, easy-to-use device to help people regain wrist function following an injury has been created by an Occupational Therapist within the Southern Trust.
Clinical Lead Occupational Therapy Hand Therapist, Daniel Harte developed the innovative ‘Bubble-Buoy’ to help patients regain movement and strength in their wrist as part of their rehabilitation.
Daniel explained that hand therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery from hand or wrist injuries.
“Any injury to the wrist can affect proprioception, which is the awareness of where our joints are positioned in space. Proprioceptive rehabilitation has become more prominent in the last 20 years, but it is still growing in importance as it is crucial for wrist stability and function. Training the wrist to sense its position in space can improve proprioception, and this can be practised using the ‘Bubble-Buoy’.
“The sphere-shaped device, which contains a weighted egg-shaped Weeble in the centre, is placed in the palm of the hand with the forearm in various positions. When moved by the wrist, patients will be able to see their movement and alignment as the dial on the egg always points vertically, helping them focus on controlled movements and strengthening their wrist function.
“The ultimate goal is to achieve more stability in the wrist and, ultimately, greater function for the patient so that they can return to their everyday activities, for which their hands are crucial.”
Daniel has been engaged with research and development for the past 15 years. One of many innovative developments and studies completed by Daniel, he has recently had the ‘Bubble-Buoy’ concept published in the American Journal of Hand Therapy.
“I find once I start to read into a topic and learn about it, I ask myself questions, and that’s where ideas for research come from. For me, it is a learning tool, but it also helps me do my job better.”
Jackie Casey, Head of Research and Development for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said that Daniel has made significant contributions to research within the Southern Trust and beyond.
“The Southern Trust is committed to fully integrating research and development into everyday clinical practice and Daniel’s passion contributes to this vision.
“He has created this simple yet effective device to improve wrist rehabilitation and we look forward to seeing how this early-stage prototype evolves and positively impacts patient recovery in the future.”
Watch Daniel’s video explaining the ‘Bubble-Buoy’ concept HERE: