Towards the development of a device to improve the gait of patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Our team is developing a technologically advanced and low-cost device to support the people with Parkinson’s disease in successfully overcoming the phenomenon of freezing (kinesia paradoxa) without external aid. The device, which is using embedded motion sensors, namely gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers, is connected to smart transparent glasses in order to display visual cues. It also includes an embedded software system that fully supports the integration and analysis of the several input signals supporting the generation of visual and audio stimulation which stimulate patients with Parkinson’s disease to walk in their off-phase. The device meets all the requirements for improving the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease.