Development and Technical Validation of a Gait-Synchronised Vibratory Stimulation System for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

An essential consequence of Parkinson’s disease is the disruption of the normal walking pattern, manifested by specific abnormalities within the gait cycle. The absence or impairment of the proprioceptive feedback mechanism in muscles is associated with a noticeable decline in voluntary motor activities. The significant relation between Parkinson’s freezing of gait and gait characteristics provides motivation to research the influence of vibratory activation on proprioception during walking. Objective: The goal of this study is to develop and technically validate a vibratory system designed to provide gait-cycle-synchronised vibratory stimulation on lower limb muscles, and assess the different influences of synchronised and non-synchronised vibration concerning cadence and perceptions of facilitated walking in both healthy subjects and individuals with Parkinson’s disease.