SteadyGait: A Wearable Feedback Device to Help People with Parkinson’s Disease Reduce Falls

This Phase I project evaluates the technical merit, feasibility, and cost effectiveness of combining commercially available Internet of Things (IoT) components and an innovative approach to create the SteadyGait system to prevent falls in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Falls are both common and disabling in people with PD, with more than half of the people with this progressive neurological condition reporting a fall each year. Evidence supports that these individuals with PD are underserved by existing technology. The SteadyGait prototype provides a standardized, cost-effective option to reduce fall risk via real-time detection and feedback and may be commercially viable for use by: (1) individuals with Parkinson’s and other progressive neurological conditions, (2) physical therapy organizations in need of a cost-effective options to respectfully monitor their patients at home or in their clinic, (3) research facilities who are seeking standardized tools and web-based reporting, and (4) institutions and organizations who are seeking solutions to restore the engagement of their patients from failed experiences. Project objectives include: (1) determining end user requirements, (2) developing a proof-of-concept prototype of the system, and (3) evaluating the utility of the prototype with actual individuals and the care team who support them, while accomplishing activities of daily living at home and in the community. The outcome of this Phase I project is a successful SteadyGait prototype that promotes independence, enhances self-esteem, and creates opportunities for self-direction using a respective, non-invasive approach to reduce falling risk and increase deficit awareness caused by the disease in individuals with PD.