This Small Wearable Device Reduces Parkinson’s Symptoms
Feb 23, 2024
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A coin-sized device using rhythmic stimulation aims to reduce Parkinson’s symptoms by helping patients move more easily. The podcast explores Chaco Neurotech's innovative wearable technology addressing tremors, rigidity, and gait problems, with insights into regulatory approval and distribution plans.
The Q-1 wearable device reduces Parkinson's symptoms through rhythmic sternum stimulation.
Chaco Neurotech aims to obtain regulatory approval for the Q-1 with personalized vibration patterns.
Deep dives
Development of Wearable Device for Parkinson's
Lucy Jung, an industrial designer, started working on assistive devices for stroke victims and eventually focused on developing a wearable device for Parkinson's patients after her own medical experience. The device, named Q-1, is a small plastic disc with an electric motor that vibrates on the sternum to reduce Parkinson's symptoms through rhythmic stimulation. Unlike invasive treatments, the Q-1 is non-invasive, affordable, and has gained significant traction globally with over 2,000 users in the UK and a waiting list of 20,000 across 120 countries.
Future Plans and Impact of the Device
Chaco Neurotech, the startup founded by Lucy Jung, aims to obtain regulatory approval for the Q-1 so it can be prescribed by healthcare providers. With a team including Parkinson's specialists and engineers, the company has raised over $10 million to support its development. Users can personalize the vibration pattern via an app, and Jung envisions a feedback system for automatic adjustments. The device is used consistently throughout the day, even during sleep, showing promising results not only in symptom management but also in improving sleep quality.
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Innovative Wearable Device for Parkinson's Symptoms
People with Parkinson’s have fewer tremors when they receive rhythmic physical stimulation—so a UK startup has created a coin-sized vibrating device to help patients move more easily. Thanks for listening to WIRED. Talk to you next time for more stories from WIRED.com and read this story here.