Special Suit Shows How Parkinsons Disease Feels
If you read about Parkinsons disease , you will quickly hear about typical symptom such as muscle stiffness and tremor. But how does that feel?
For a healthy person it is very difficult to imagine who it feels to have PD. Dr Roland Schöffel from SD& C has therefore built the Parkinsons Suit, with which one can simulate PD. The NCER-PD Team has tested the suit at the Annual Conference 2015 of the young patient organisation in Saarlouis, Germany.
At first sight the suits resembles a racing outfit. A young man helps interested people into the red overall. But after the comfortable suit follows quickly the mobility-restricting measures: cuffs on knees and elbows hinder the flexion of these joints. Next follow heavy weights on arms, legs and trunk. The SD& C employee loads a total of 10 kilos onto the participants body and explains that the cuffs and weights should simulate how heavy and inflexible the muscles of patients can feel. The suit focuses only on the motor symptoms and simulates an average person as the severity and type of symptoms can vary from patient to patient. In the practical test, NCER-PD employee Dr Sabine Mosch is clearly walking slower. She clearly has a hard time pursuing movements that require lifting of arms or legs.
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What Is Functional Mobility Applied To Parkinsons Disease
Article type: Review Article
Authors: Bouça-Machado, Raquela b | Maetzler, Walterc | Ferreira, Joaquim J.a b d *
Affiliations: Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisbon, Portugal | CNS-Campus Neurológico Sénior, Torres Vedras, Portugal | Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany | Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
Correspondence: Correspondence to: Joaquim J. Ferreira, Laboratorio de Farmacologia ClÃnica e Terapêutica, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal. Tel.: +351 21 7802120 E-mail: .
Keywords: Functional mobility, international classification of functioning, disability and health, Parkinsons disease
DOI: 10.3233/JPD-171233
Journal: Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 121-130, 2018
Abstract
Emergency Alarms And Monitors
- Pendant alarms worn around the neck or wrist are designed to send a signal to an emergency center or another part of the house.
- Monitors can alert another person in case of a specific event. They can be triggered if the patient falls or smoke is detected, for instance.
- Wireless doorbells can be used to call for help from someone nearby when the patients voice is not strong enough.
- Smartphone apps can send an alarm after being triggered by a fall or other event.
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Parkinson’s Disease And Movement Disorders Center
Our center provides compassionate and timely treatment to patients with movement disorders, such as dystonia, ataxia, essential tremor and similar conditions. But our mission goes beyond patient care excellence. By offering educational events and support groups, we empower patients and caregivers to become better partners in their health.
Global Personal Mobility Devices Market Opportunities
Increased Demand in Developing Nations
According to figures released by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific , the populace of Asia-Pacific is aging at an unprecedented rate, with the number of older people expected to double from 535 million in 2015 to about 1.3 billion by 2050. As this demographic is more susceptible to age-related conditions like visual impairments, arthritis, and spinal cord issues, it is anticipated that the need for personal mobility devices will increase in developing nations. Consequently, the increase in the elderly population in emerging nations, coupled with the competitive and cheap costs of personal mobility devices, is predicted to generate lucrative prospects for market participants over the forecast period.
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What Is The Mollii Suit
The Mollii Suit is a functional garment that consists of a pair of trousers, a jacket and a detachable control unit which sends electrical signals to the user via electrodes on the inside of the garment. Mollii is an assistive device that people with muscle stiffness or other forms of motor disability can use in their home environment. It can help to reduce undesired reflexes and stiffness, thus enabling an improved posture, range of motion and functional ability. It can also reduce certain types of pain and improve sleep patterns.
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The Use Of Walking Aids
Early-Stage Group
For early-stage patients, the ability to complete a task and performing it successfully were the aspects they valued most in their daily lives, at the expense of the time needed.
The regular use of walking aids is not considered by this group of participants. They believe that good monitoring by specialized professionals and easy access to information about the disease are enough. Some mentioned to have used Nordic walk sticks to perform exercise and found it useful. All were open and suggested the development of technological devices that help them with disease-related problems, such as a device that reminds them to correct their posture. When asked about the key requirements of walking aids, it was mentioned the need for softeners to smooth the gait and the ability to adapt to different surfaces, to be light, and to have handles that allow the use of hands .
Table 4. Key aspects mentioned by the four groups about the use of walking aids.
Advanced-Stage Group
Due to the lack of experience with walking aids, patients did not feel being able to define their key characteristics.
Physiotherapists
Neurologists
Neurologists believe that the characteristics of a walking aid should be indicated by a physiatrist or physiotherapist.
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Global Personal Mobility Devices Market Restraints
The Expenses Associated with Personal Mobility Devices
Personal mobility devices are used daily by individuals with mobility limitations. These devices are purchased on a priority basis to assist patients unable to walk correctly hence, they must be made inexpensive for patients. However, these fees are reasonable for a subset of affluent patients but not for other patients. The wheelchair with additional functions is priced between USD 1,000 and USD 2,000, and the wheelchair with advanced features costs approximately USD 7,100. Scewo BRO, a specialized powered wheelchair, costs USD 40,525.45. The most durable and high-quality rollator walker costs around USD 600. Primarily in emerging and disadvantaged nations, these prohibitive costs restrict access to mobility devices. In addition, the varying purchasing power of patients across the globe hinders market expansion.
See The Difference Sixty Minutes Can Make*
Designed to be worn just an hour every other day, the Suit provides an easy, on-demand way to restore mobility and relieve spasticity-related pain. For users like Louisa, Max, and David, that hour makes all the difference in their day.
Just an hour of near full-body stimulation improves her balance, gait, and stability, and helps make everyday tasks easier for her.
Wearing the Suit helps keep him safer and more stable and gives him the control and confidence he needs when walking.
After an hour in his Suit, Davids hand, arm, and leg movements are already easier and more coordinated.
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More Information About Equipment
Yoorallas Independent Living Centre provides information about a large range of assistive and communication technologies to support children and adults with disability with their functional independence at home, work and in their communities.
Equipment can be viewed and trialed at the ILC showroom in Braybrook, Victoria. Therapists are available to provide information and advice. For more information you can phone the ILC on 1300 885 886 or visit their website at www.ilcaustralia.org.au.
How Can I Make My Home Easier To Live In
Not all of these recommendations may be right for you. Your occupational therapist or rehabilitation specialist can help determine which of these are best for you.
In your living room and bedrooms:
Place furniture so that you have wide walkways. This will leave you plenty of space to move around.
If you can, make outlets easily available for lamps and appliances. If you need extension cords, make sure they’re secured with tape and out of the way, so you don’t trip on them.
Use chairs with straight backs, armrests, and firm seats. This will make it easier for you to get up and sit down. Firm cushions can add height and make it easier to move.
Look for lamps that you can turn on with a touch or with sound.
If possible, change your phones to ones with larger buttons. It’ll make dialing easier. Have the numbers you call a lot programmed into speed dial.
Install handrails along walls, hallways, and stairwells where there is nothing to hold on to.
If you have trouble getting out of bed, see about having a stationary pole or “trapeze” bar installed. You could also try to sleep in a reclining chair.
In your bathroom:
Use an elevated toilet seat or safety rails to make it easier for you to get up. Don’t use towel racks or bathroom tissue holders to help you stand.
Put extended lever handles on your faucets. That’ll make them easier to turn.
In your kitchen:
Have at least one counter workspace lowered so you can reach it when you’re sitting.
Also:
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Discover Other Projects Like Exopulse
Since 2015, Maker Faire Rome has been running a contest dedicated to advanced tech-enabled healthcare solution: Make to Care.
Make to Care is promoted by Sanofi Genzyme, Specialty Care division of Sanofi. Sanofi Genzyme is specifically providing solutions for rare diseases, multiple sclerosis, oncology and immunology. MaketoCare wants to celebrate and support initiatives and projects arising from the cleverness and passion of the Maker community.
Make to Care is aimed at bringing out and facilitating the creation and growth of innovative and useful solutions to meet the real needs of people with any form of disability, meant as any marked decrease in quality of life due to pathologies and / or traumatic events.
The participation to the contest is open to all those who have been able to grasp a concrete need, directing their talent and proposing an innovative solution.
Maker Faire Rome The European Edition has been committed since eight editions to make innovation accessible and usable to all, with the aim of not leaving anyone behind. Its blog is always updated and full of opportunities and inspiration for makers, makers, startups, SMEs and all the curious ones who wish to enrich their knowledge and expand their business, in Italy and abroad.
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Pdcare Laser Light Therapy
PDCare Laser Light Therapy
SYMBYX is an Australian medical technology company developing light therapies to manage previously intractable, chronic diseases and painful, inflammation-mediated conditions.
In their Parkinsons work, they treat primarily via the gut microbiome because through well-documented research, there is a well-established linkage between gut and brain health . The relationship is essential to understanding many chronic disease models, especially the origin and progression of Parkinsons.
What we liked about the PDCare product:
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This device uses light therapy to address reduce Parkinsons symptoms.
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Non-invasive, painless to use
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Designed specifically for home use to ensure maximum flexibility and convenience. Fully portable.
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Simple large on/off button for ease of use.
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Battery-powered. CE marked
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Genuine reviews and positive feedback in testimonials
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2 year, worldwide manufacturer warranty
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An experienced, credentialed team using research refined from over 20 years of combined clinical practice and trials,
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Side Note: Keep An Eye Out For
Cue, by Nanotech
What we liked about the progress of CUE :
We’re including this to give you something to think about in the future, or to join their waitlist for updates. The product is well designed, has a strong team, reputable support, good early customer experiences, and shares trial results.
CUE a non-invasive wearable device for Parkinsons, utilizes pulsed cueing and focused vibrotactile stimulation to reduce symptoms of slowness and stiffness resulting in improved movement. It delivers gentle vibratory stimulus to the peripheral nervous system, producing a characteristic cortical response that eases the typical stiffness and slowness symptoms associated with Parkinsons.
Users of CUE for Parkinsons report feeling that movement is better controlled and they can move smoother, easier and faster whilst wearing the device.
The product is still in testing. Follow the link to learn more, and read the science, customer testimonials, and early research indications. Estimates indicate an average of 16% improvement in movement. Additional features include tracking symptoms and medication assistance.
Note We will continue to monitor the progress of this product. Please do your own research.
Assistive Technology And Device Tips
As you explore assistive technology, keep these tips in mind:
- Many assistive devices are commercially available through major retailers and online.
- Talk to your care team before using or purchasing medical-related equipment.
- A written prescription may be needed for items such as a lift chair, walker, or wheelchair to be covered by your insurance provider. Your care team can help you navigate insurance reimbursement when applicable.
For more detailed information, utilize this online list of assistive and adaptive daily living aids developed by Chicagos Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, an innovative, research-driven rehabilitation institution affiliated with Northwestern University, a Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence.
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Quick Guide: 12 Best Products For Parkinsons Disease Support
Beats Medical Therapy: A simple, valuable app that helps improve mobility, dexterity, and speech with daily exercises
Agilitas: A discreet wearable that helps to overcome the freeze gait symptom
Rollz Motion Rhythm: A a walker assisting with freezing of the gait or a disrupted walking pattern
Withings ScanWatch: Track your overall health vitals with this well-designed wearable
MOTOmed: An assistive exercise machine for increasing strength specifically designed for people with mobility limitations
Medisafe App: Gives pill reminders with and has other medication management features to help with an essential part of your symptom management
Sensoria Smart Sock: A promising smart sock to help track mobility and inform treatment
Suyzeko – Photo Biomodulation Helmet for Stroke, Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s
Tremor Stability Devices – Utensils to accommodate limited hand and arm mobility
Parkinson’s PD Warrior – Online Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Program
MyTherapy – Parkinson’s Medication and Symptom Tracker
PDCare – Portable Laser Light Therapy to reduce Parkinson’s symptoms
Plus a mention for the emerging Parkinson’s product CUE
Specially Designed Devices For Parkinsons Patients
Patients with Parkinsons disease may find performing certain everyday tasks challenging. Sitting down to eat, taking a bath or shower, getting dressed or going for a walk can be challenging for people with Parkinsons, even dangerous. As we age, accidental falls become commonplace. However, people with Parkinsons risk of falling is two times greater than the average older adult.
There is a simple solution to help people with Parkinsons disease regain their sense of independence to use specially designed adaptive devices made specifically for Parkinsons patients. A few of those devices are listed below along with a brief description of what they do.
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Assistive Devices For Patients With Parkinsons Disease
Speech-Language Pathologist
As discussed in a previous blog entry, patients with Parkinsons Disease develop problems with speaking and communicating. As the medical industry progresses, devices and tools become available to patients to help with communication.
Below are several assistive devices that are available to help people with Parkinsons Disease. These devices can help people communicate more clearly.
This is a dental apparatus that is similar to a retainer. It lifts the soft palate and stops air from escaping out of the nose during speech.
This is a personal amplifier that can be used to increase vocal loudness in soft-spoken people. The amplifier also decreases voice fatigue.
This is a telephone equipped with a keyboard so speech can be typed and read by a relay operator to the listener. Either the whole message can be typed or just the words that are not understood can be typed.
Notebooks and language boards can be used as alternative communication techniques.
Computers with voice synthesizers and dedicated communication devices are available.
Patients who are interested in purchasing electronic communication aids should discuss this with a speech-language therapist before contacting sales representatives for these devices.
Choosing The Right Mobility Equipment To Help You Get Around
There are many important assistive mobility devices that will help you simplify the daily life for those living with PD.
- Walking Cane: the Comfort-Plus Quad Cane by Airgo is very suitable for PD patients as it has a single shaft attached to a four-legged base that allows for greater weight-bearing. It is designed to provide extra stability for individuals who need it. This cane can be held in the left or right hand.
- Walking frame: there are three different types of walking frames
1. non – wheeled walking frames are a type of walking equipment, lightweight and robust, offering stability and support to those who need it whilst walking. The replaceable rubber feet ensure the longevity of the product. These key features define the non-wheeled walker:
- Lightweight Zimmer frame
- Ergonomic handgrips for added comfort
These walking frames are the most stable frames from the three models.
2. folding walking frames are an easy-to-use option for those wanting to put their walking frames away if they dont need them. Or use them to take with you in the boot of the car. It folds with simple mechanisms.
These frames are defined by their key features
- Folding Zimmer Frame
- Comfortable handgrip
- Compact for transport and storage
Our Folding Walking Frame with Pull Ball by Days does not have clasps, catches, buttons or complicated systems to fold it. Just pull the ball towards you and the frames pivots and folds.
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Am I A Good Candidate For Dbs
To determine if you are a good candidate, you:
Page reviewed by Dr. Chauncey Spears, Clinical Assistant Professor and Dr. Amelia Heston, Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Michigan.
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