Harvard’s Soft Robotic Wearable Offers Breakthrough in Parkinson’s Treatment
In a groundbreaking development, researchers from Harvard and Boston University have unveiled a soft, wearable robot designed to assist individuals with Parkinson’s disease in overcoming freezing episodes during walking. Freezing is a common and debilitating symptom of Parkinson’s, affecting over nine million people globally.
The robotic garment, worn around the hips and thighs, provides a gentle push to the hips during leg swings, enabling patients to achieve longer strides and preventing the sudden inability to move their feet—a characteristic of freezing episodes. Published in the journal Nature Medicine, the study details how this innovative technology delivered instant and consistent improvements in walking for individuals with Parkinson’s.
Conor Walsh, co-corresponding author of the study, emphasized the significant impact of even a small amount of mechanical assistance from the soft robotic apparel. The researchers collaborated with a 73-year-old Parkinson’s patient over six months, who experienced frequent freezing episodes despite traditional treatments. After wearing the device, the patient exhibited the ability to walk indoors without freezing and experienced only occasional episodes outdoors. Additionally, he could walk and talk simultaneously, a rare feat without the device.
The participant shared, “The suit helps me take longer steps, and when it is not active, I notice I drag my feet much more. It has really helped me, and I feel it is a positive step forward. It could help me to walk longer and maintain the quality of my life.”
Beyond its therapeutic applications, the researchers noted the device’s potential to enhance understanding of gait freezing mechanisms, a poorly understood aspect of Parkinson’s disease. This development holds promise for improving the quality of life for those affected by this neurodegenerative disorder.
