title: Alleviating Freezing of Gait using phase-dependent tactile biofeedback.
abstract: In this feasibility study, we present a novel, wearable prototype of tactile biofeedback to alleviate gait disturbances, such as freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease. We designed and tested a phase-dependent tactile biofeedback system that can be easily worn on the feet, with a simple switch to turn it on or off. Preliminary validation was performed in 8 subjects with Parkinson's disease who show freezing during a turning in place test. A metronome, control condition was used to compare effectiveness in alleviating freezing. Promising results were obtained, both in term of acceptability of the device, and improving motor performance.
authors.affiliation: APDM Inc, Portland, OR 97201 USA.
authors.forename: Will
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Harrington
authors.affiliation: APDM Inc, Portland, OR 97201 USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Greenberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97006 USA.
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: APDM Inc, Portland, OR 97201 USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McNames
authors.affiliation: APDM Inc, Portland, OR 97201 USA.
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Holmstrom
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97006 USA; Medical Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
authors.forename: Fay B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Horak
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97006 USA.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mancini
mesh_terms: D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005528:Foot; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000473:pathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014110:Touch