Scientists at the National University of Ireland Galway have created a wearable device that they believe will help people with Parkinson’s to walk more easily.
The device, named cueStim, is worn around the waist and delivers fixed rhythmic sensory stimulation to the wearer. This will counteract ‘freezing of gait’ symptoms that are often experienced by people living with the condition.
The scientists collaborated with professionals from UK medical board NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to test the device, and found that it significantly reduced the time taken for a person with Parkinson’s to complete walking tasks.
Gearóid Ó Laighin, professor of electrical engineering at NUI Galway, said: “We are now seeking additional clinical partners to work with NUI Galway in carrying out a comprehensive long-term clinical evaluation of cueStim in enhancing the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease through a funded programme of research.”