Development of an auditory cueing system to assist gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Patients with Parkinson’s Disease often experience motor symptoms that compromise their ability to walk independently and safely. One of the key problems is the inability to generate sufficient step length, which is typically compensated by an increase in stepping frequency. In this work, a system providing real-time auditory stimuli through a headset connected to a smartphone is developed and tested. Stimuli are provided when certain episodes are identified so as to modify speed and amplitude of movements. In this study, the feasibility of the system in stimulating gait using self-adaptive cueing rhythms is investigated and system’s usefulness and acceptance are evaluated. Experimental results suggest that better gait patterns can be stimulated when individuals follow sounds whose rate is close to their natural step rate. Results also suggest that the system would be readily accepted by patients, provided that it can help them in real time during their daily activities.