DISPOSITIVOS DE ESTIMULACIÓN VIBROTÁCTIL PARA PACIENTES DE PARKINSON CONGELAMIENTO DE LA MARCHA

The Parkinson´s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which affects the control of motor skills including: tremors, rigidity, imbalance and Freezing of Gait (FOG). FOG events begin suddenly and consist of a brief episodic absence or marked reduction of gait, despite the intention to walk. This occurs when the patient walks through narrow places or over obstacles, affecting the way of how the patient walks and even causing fractures and falls. This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of an electronic peripheral stimulation device that through vibrations during walking could help patients to significantly reduce FOG episodes and improve their cadence. Additionally, the system measures parameters such as acceleration in the horizontal and vertical axes, and pressure distribution in four specific points on the soles. Useful data for a posteriori analysis of the physiology of gait. This device was tested in seven patients with PD, two of them had FOG episodes. The data analysis of time series and frequency showed to be an effective therapy in the freezing of gait treatment, reducing up to 75% FOG episodes and significantly improving the homogeneity of gait.