Experts from Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Newcastle University and Axomics Medical have created a wearable device, known as the Axoband, which features fully screen-printed flexible electrodes to measure electrical signals generated by the muscles. It will also include an embedded electronic sensor capable of tracking movement.

The Axoband, designed to be worn on the leg, will be low-cost to manufacture, stretchable and washable.

Bespoke software will process signals recorded from the band during clinical tests and will provide a quantitative measure of muscle health and an app will indicate the probability that the patient has sarcopenia.

Yang Wei, principal investigator and professor of wearable technology in NTU's Nottingham School of Art & Design and the academic lead of smart medical textiles in Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, said: ‘With sarcopenia becoming a growing problem in an ageing population, this is crucial in ensuring people are diagnosed more quickly and efficiently, allowing the right measures to be put in place as soon as possible.'

Dr Annette Pantall, who laid the groundwork for this new phase of development, added: ‘This innovative device will make a tremendous difference to the quality of life of older adults and also to people with muscle loss associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer.'

The development is being supported through funding from Wellcome Leap's global Dynamic Resilience programme, jointly funded with the Temasek Trust.