Dr. Dylan Goode demonstrates the science behind the device that can help inhibit involuntary hand movement/UBCO

By Vernon Matters Staff

Innovative & life-changing

UBC Okanagan researchers develop wearable brace to reduce hand tremors

Jan 22, 2026 | 11:05 AM

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have unveiled a new wearable brace designed to help people with uncontrolled hand tremors.

The lightweight device works without motors, batteries or surgery, making it more practical than existing options, official say. In lab tests using a mannequin arm, the brace reduced tremors by nearly 80 per cent in one direction and more than 70 per cent overall.

Hand tremors affect millions of people worldwide and can interfere with daily activities such as eating, writing and personal care, according to Dr Hadi Mohammadi, a professor in UBCO’s School of Engineering.

The research, recently published in the Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology, uses a passive vibration-absorbing mechanism that allows voluntary movement while reducing involuntary shaking.

Clinical testing with human participants is the next step, researchers say, to evaluate comfort, real-world performance and impact on daily function. If successful, the device could provide a non-invasive, low-maintenance option for people with tremor-related disorders.

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Researchers say the technology represents a significant step toward improving independence and quality of life for people living with hand tremors.