Parkinson Vibrating Socks

The Parkinson Vibrating Socks project aims to improve the mobility of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is an incurable neurodegenerative condition that primarily occurs in individuals over the age of 60. Currently, about 182 out of 100,000 people are affected by Parkinson’s. Typical symptoms include motor impairments such as muscle tremors or postural instability. One of the most limiting symptoms is the phenomenon known as “Freezing of Gait,” which approximately 60% of all people with Parkinson’s experience during the course of their illness. Freezing is described as if the feet suddenly stick to the ground, preventing the initiation of the next step, often leading to falls. Consequently, those affected usually restrict their daily activities, which in turn reduces their quality of life. Freezing is typically treated with medication, but the effectiveness of the drugs diminishes rapidly. A promising nonpharmacological approach is called “Cueing.” In Cueing, individuals are provided with a stimulus (a “cue”) to overcome the walking blockage. The sudden stimulus helps the brain initiate the next movement. Among the various existing Cueing approaches, vibrotactile cueing is the least intrusive and inconspicuous method. It is non-invasive, has no side effects, and can be applied through a vibrating element (e.g., on the foot), making it neither visible nor audible from the outside. Vibrotactile Cueing has significant potential to improve Freezing without limiting the daily activities of the affected individuals. The Parkinson Vibrating Socks Project is therefore developing such a cueing system: a small device worn on the ankle that contains a sensor. The system analyzes the walking pattern using machine learning algorithms and provides a vibrotactile cue when freezing is detected. The first prototype of the system is already available and will be scientifically tested for its effectiveness at the end of the year (2024). The results will be continuously incorporated into the further development of the system. Additionally, an app is currently being developed that can connect to the system, capturing relevant data for patients and healthcare providers and summarizing it in an easy-to-understand manner.