Freezing of gait is a phenomenon often experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease, characterized by a temporary inability to move their feet despite the intent to walk. This condition affects up to 53% of patients within five years of diagnosis, rising to 85% in more advanced stages of the disease. To address this issue, freezing of gait therapy can be beneficial, and innovative solutions such as a non-invasive wearable device are being explored as part of a comprehensive Parkinson's disease treatment plan, particularly for those also dealing with tremor.
The Digitalink stimulation bracelet provides effective therapy for individuals with essential tremor and Parkinson's disease. This non-invasive wearable device detects each patient’s unique tremor pattern and tailors stimulation accordingly, making it a valuable option for freezing of gait therapy. It offers a non-invasive treatment alternative that can be used alongside or instead of traditional medicine and surgical options, such as DBS.
A clinical pilot study evaluated a non-invasive wearable device designed for freezing of gait therapy in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This innovative device utilizes closed-loop vibration during the stance phase of walking, leading to a significant reduction in freezing of gait (FOG) episodes and the duration of time spent frozen among a group of 33 participants. Additionally, notable improvements in stride length were observed, contributing to the overall effectiveness of this Parkinson's disease treatment.
Dr. Piu Chan, Professor of Neurology and Geriatrics, is the Chair of the faculty of geriatrics at Capital Medical University and the Director of the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, where he focuses on innovative Parkinson's disease treatment strategies. He also leads clinical efforts in freezing of gait therapy and is involved with a non-invasive wearable device aimed at improving mobility for patients. Furthermore, he serves as a council member of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) and is a committee member for the MDS 'Task Force on the definition of Parkinson’s disease' and the 'Telemedicine Task Force,' addressing crucial aspects of tremor management and patient care.
Wallace has over 15 years of experience in technology transfer and commercialization in the robotics and AI fields, focusing on innovative solutions like freezing of gait therapy and non-invasive wearable devices for Parkinson's disease treatment. He has served in various roles such as Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President at technology companies like HP, DJI Innovations, and GDU, where he participated in and led numerous major strategic transformations and partnerships with global business partners. Wallace holds a B.S. degree in Psychology from Sun Yat-sen University and an MBA from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Dr. Steven Wang is a neurosurgeon specializing in neuromodulation and brain stimulation therapy for Parkinson's disease treatment, as well as freezing of gait therapy for patients experiencing tremor and dystonia. He also offers closed-loop neurostimulation treatment for epilepsy and advanced neurosurgical procedures for brain-computer interfaces. With extensive interdisciplinary experience in medicine and engineering, Dr. Wang has developed numerous technological inventions, including a non-invasive wearable device that enhances patient care.
Tower2, GTFC Plaza, #9 Guangan Road, Beijing, China, is a location where innovative treatments for Parkinson's disease are being developed, including therapies for freezing of gait. This includes the use of a non-invasive wearable device that helps manage tremors associated with the condition.
Tower A, Jinxiu Science Park, Shenzhen, China
