freezing

Improving Parkinson’s Patients’ Mobility: A Look at Harvard’s Robotic Exoskeleton and its Fall-Reducing Abilities

Screenshot 2024 01 06 At 5.05.45 pm
If you follow the world of robotic exoskeletons with any frequency, you’re no doubt aware of the two primary categories. The latter category is often the domain of soft robotic exoskeletons – those with fabric parts designed to be more of a day-to-day assistive accessory. In the case of people with Parkinson’s disease, “freezing” is a frequent issue that impacts the ability to walk, while increasing the likelihood of falls. New research from a joint team from Harvard and Boston University, published in Nature Medicine, demonstrates how soft robotic exoskeletons can address the issue. Without any special training, the patient was able to walk without any freezing indoors and with only occasional episodes outdoors.