"Wearable Robotic Exosuit Enhances Mobility for Parkinson's Patients"

A soft robotic garment designed by researchers from Harvard SEAS and Boston University Sargent College has shown promise in eliminating freezing of gait in Parkinson's patients. The device, which is worn around the hips and thighs, assists with leg swings, enabling longer strides and improved mobility. In a study with a 73-year-old Parkinson's patient, the robotic garment completely removed freezing episodes during indoor walks, potentially offering a new way to enhance independence for those affected by this symptom of Parkinson's disease. The research, which will appear in Nature Medicine, underscores the potential of soft robotics in medical applications and neurorehabilitation.