April 11th marks World Parkinson’s Day, a global recognition of those battling the relentless progression of this neurological disorder. It's a day to honour their resilience and strength, and to rally healthcare professionals toward advancing research and treatment.
Parkinson's disease exacts a heavy toll, gradually affecting the nervous system and disrupting motor control. From mild weakness to debilitating mobility issues, individuals with Parkinsonism face a spectrum of challenges. More than 1 million cases occur per year in India alone. According to World Health Organization (WHO), The prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease has doubled in the past 25 years.
Parkinson's disease treatments include medications, surgery, and rehabilitation, which can alleviate symptoms.It currently lacks a cure. Physiotherapy, as part of rehabilitation, can provide relief for Parkinson's disease. Today, the advancements in healthcare technology enable robotized gait training.
Harvard and Boston University researchers collaborated for six months with a 73-year-old Parkinson’s patient,finding that slight mechanical assistance from soft robotic apparel significantly improved walking, despite ongoing treatment. Conor Walsh of Harvard University, leading the study, noted the instant and consistent positive effects across various conditions.
Supported by a 2023 study titled “The role of robot-assisted training on rehabilitation outcomes in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis”, which concluded that robotic-assisted rehabilitation significantly enhanced motor function, reduced fatigue, and boosted balance confidence among patients. Notably, the combination of robotics with virtual reality emerged as the most effective approach.
The journey of incorporating robotic technology into Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation has shifted from idea to reality. The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of SP Well Fort Hospital, Trivandrum employed robotic gait trainer for the rehabilitation of patients affected by Parkinson’s disease. Mr. Nandagopan, a Senior Physiotherapist at SP Well Fort Hospital shared his experience on how G Gaiter robotic rehabilitator, equipped with artificial intelligence, assists patients in relearning to walk with longer strides, especially Parkinson’s patients, who walk in cadence (very short steps). “This technology, with its guided and assistive features, aims to restore balance and coordination—a fundamental aspect often compromised in Parkinson's”, said Nandagopan.
In the quest for better outcomes and improved quality of life, embracing modern technologies like G Gaiter engineered in India, integrated with AI and VR Technology represents a significant stride forward in rehabilitation of Stroke, Spinal Cord Injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinsonism and other gait disabilities. This advanced robotic gait trainer has been implemented in major hospitals including Aster group, KIMS Health, Amrita Hospital, Thanal Brain and Spine Medcity, General Hospital Trivandrum and SP Well Fort hospital.
As we stand united on World Parkinson’s Day, let's champion progress, empower patients, and inspire hope for a brighter future in the fight against Parkinson's disease.
