Synchronized walking cadence for TUG in perturbed environments: Using Earcon or Tacton cues?

Abstract

Abstract-Audio and haptic cueing have proven their usability to assist gait for patients with Parkinson's disease. These cueings are used when a gait issue is classified in real-time by an artificial intelligent algorithm using wearable IMU signals located at the lower limb. Such gait issue could be freezing of gait (FOG) and Bradykinesia symptoms. This system detects freezing periods and plays a rhythmic pattern such as Tacton or Earcon in haptic or audio respectively. When prior training is done with an appropriate serious game, cueing could help to recover gait cadence and then help to avoid fall. Both types of cueing were used in different research works without prior analysis on the best stimulation to use in a perturbed environment. Since rhythmic auditory sound could be an issue in a real outdoor environment, this paper suggests evaluating rhythmic stimulation cueing with the Time Up and Go clinical assessment test used for mobility evaluation.

Review of Active Extracorporeal Medical Devices to Counteract Freezing of Gait in Patients with Parkinson Disease

“…The increasing penetration of smartphones in the daily life of PD patients has allowed the use of smartphone components, such as the accelerometer, and the data-processing capacity of smartphones for the detection of FoG [ 86 , 87 ]. The use of smartphones to minimize the number of connected external devices for FoG patient monitoring has been presented in a previous study [ 75 , 81 , 87 , 88 ].…”

“…The existing research on this topic reflects the need for identification of devices for acquiring and processing data as well as for providing FoG-unlocking stimuli [ 70 , 88 ]. The stimuli used can be visual, vibrational, or electrical.…”

“…A previous study [ 88 ] presented research describing the perception of the patient to auditory and vibratory stimuli in an environment with external disturbances. The authors also used glasses and earplugs during testing, simulating the conditions experienced by elderly PD patients.…”

“…Acceleration Sensor [ 36 , 68 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 83 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 ]…”

Toilet Assistive System Designed for the Reduction of Accidental Falls in the Bathroom Using Admittance Controller

“…Moreover, passive [13] and active [14] technical aids have been proposed in several works, including the FRR (Friendly Rest Room) international project [15,16]. Our research program explores different avenues in order to support a person with a loss of autonomy or with reduced mobility in the fulfilment of daily activities in a smart home [17]. The smart home is composed of several technological tools (personal assistance) in order to decrease the load to medical personnel and informal caregivers.…”