Researchers at Harvard and Boston universities have developed a soft, robotic wearable device that has shown promising results in mitigating the effects of freezing of gait, a common symptom in Parkinson's disease. Freezing of gait is characterized by patients feeling as though their feet are stuck to the floor, making it difficult for them to take another step.

Initially designed to assist adults with walking difficulties caused by strokes or other conditions, the researchers found that their device "instantaneously eliminated" freezing of gait in a 73-year-old Parkinson's patient during indoor walking tests conducted over a six-month period. The patient experienced daily and incapacitating episodes of freezing of gait, a symptom that can severely impair mobility.

The soft exosuit, which enhances hip flexion, not only eliminated freezing of gait but also allowed the patient to walk faster and cover a greater distance. The findings of this study were published in the journal Nature Medicine under the title, "Soft Robotic Apparel to Avert Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease."

Conor Walsh, a professor of engineering and applied sciences at Harvard and one of the co-lead authors of the study, commented on the effectiveness of the device, stating that "just a small amount of mechanical assistance from our soft robotic apparel delivered instantaneous effects and consistently improved walking across a range of conditions for the individual in our study."

Walking difficulties, balance problems, and freezing of gait are common challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson's disease, particularly in the advanced stages of the illness. While existing treatments for Parkinson's can alleviate various motor and nonmotor symptoms, they often have only modest and temporary effects on freezing of gait.

During the six-month trial, the soft exosuit was tested on a Parkinson's patient who experienced freezing episodes more than 10 times daily despite other treatments. The patient reported frequent falls due to freezing of gait and relied on a scooter for outdoor mobility.

Worn around the hips and thighs, the garment gently pushes the hips with each stride, providing support and assisting leg movement. The patient saw a 55% increase in walking distance and a 25% decline in gait variability, indicating better gait quality. Some occasional gait difficulties were noted during outdoor use.

The patient expressed gratitude for the device, stating, "This 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... to walk longer and maintain the quality of my life."

The device utilizes sensors and cable-driven actuators worn around the waist and thighs. Algorithms analyze the motion data collected by the sensors, estimating the phase of the gait and generating forces to aid leg muscle movement. The patient required no special training to use the exosuit during walking tests.

The researchers believe that this device not only has the potential to address the challenge of freezing of gait in Parkinson's patients but also offers insights into the mechanics of the symptom. Terry Ellis, the study's other co-lead author and a professor at Boston University, highlighted that by restoring almost-normal biomechanics, the device impacts both the peripheral dynamics of gait and the central processing of gait control.

In conclusion, the soft robotic wearable device has shown promise in mitigating freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease, presenting a potential solution to an unmet need in the management of this debilitating symptom. Further developments and advancements in this technology could significantly improve the mobility and quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson's disease.