New wearable device could counteract gait

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Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 31 January 2019

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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.”

To read more on this topic click here.

For more information on gait and Parkinson’s, please visit the European Parkinson’s Disease Association website.

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New wearable device could counteract gait

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 31 January 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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New wearable device could counteract gait

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 31 January 2019

Last Month

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Share this story

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Interviews

What’s it like to be a DJ with Parkinson’s?

Perspectives

Tonya’s trends: ‘off the shoulder’ – a low-slung look on the up

Recipes & Nutrition

6 superfoods to enhance brain function in Parkinson’s

Regular exercise may slow progression of early Parkinson’s disease symptoms

Could traumatic brain injury accelerate the onset of Parkinson’s disease?

NASA astronaut who lived with Parkinson’s disease has died

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