"Wearable Robotic Suits: A Step Forward for Parkinson's Mobility"
Researchers from Harvard SEAS and Boston University have developed a soft, wearable robotic device that helps individuals with Parkinson's disease overcome freezing of gait, a common and debilitating symptom. The device, which is worn around the hips and thighs, provides mechanical assistance that aligns with the wearer's leg movements, resulting in improved walking ability and longer strides. The technology has shown immediate effects, allowing a 73-year-old participant to walk without freezing indoors and with reduced episodes outdoors. This innovation offers a new approach to treating gait freezing and could enhance mobility and independence for those living with Parkinson's disease. The study is published in Nature Medicine.