The VSimulators team are pleased to support the second phase of testing for gaitQ, an innovative cueing system designed to enhance walking and overall quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Researcher Hassan Fadavi alongside Technical Services Staff James Bassitt, Research Director for VSimulators, and Experimental Officer Garry Massey, worked with a participant to evaluate and validate a state-of-the-art wearable device by gaitQ. The device features two “pods” affixed to the upper calves, which send out vibrational cues, guiding the wearer through their steps, with the aim of improving confidence in walking.
This is the second phase of the collaboration between the University of Exeter and gaitQ Limited, a spinout from the University of Oxford, which seeks to address the walking challenges faced by many with Parkinson’s, such as the debilitating “freezing of gait”. This symptom can leave people feel that their feet are stuck to the ground, meaning they have difficulty walking.
James said: “Our thanks to the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre for their support in helping us to contribute to such an important project”.