Computer scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed an augmented reality headset and an associated software program that could be a gamechanger for patients working to overcome the challenges of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s is a health condition categorized by the loss of neurons in the brain that produce dopamine, which is a signaling molecule that plays a role in bodily movements. This neuron decay leads to impaired motor function and other movement issues like tremors or loss of balance. Safe movement becomes more difficult as the condition progresses, which is why physical therapy is oftentimes the most effective form of treatment. It’s also why researchers were keen to find new ways to help keep Parkinson’s patients moving.
Through their research, the team developed AR headsets and motion sensors that track the wearer’s movements and their interactions with their surroundings. Reviewing the data captured during a session can help a provider better understand a patient’s capabilities and deficits. Clinicians can even wear the headsets themselves to see exactly what the patient sees by replaying a recording of their activities.
Different Than Virtual Reality
If you’re like us, you might be wondering how an augmented reality headset could possibly be safe for an individual who is already facing challenges with daily movements. However, the device isn’t a virtual reality headset that completely changes a person’s field of vision. These AR glasses still allow the wearer to see the normal world around them, but the area is augmented with graphics.
The combined software program quickly summarizes patient actions and can identify “freezes” or motor deficits, which allows a doctor to review the data in minutes instead of hours. The team said it was developed for patients suffering from the effects of Parkinson’s, but they hope that it could also be applied to other groups of patients, like those recovering from a stroke or following a surgical procedure.
“I love thinking about that,” said Jade Kandel, a computer science PhD student, who helped develop the software. “Yes, this is great for Parkinson’s – but it can also be applied to so many different conditions for rehabilitation.”
We have a number of different tech devices with motion capture capabilities that can help break down your movements frame by frame, but we’re always keeping an eye on the future to see what innovations may revolutionize patient care. While the glasses and the software are still in their infancy, it’s great to see the progress they are making and we are hopeful that these types of innovations will continue to help provide patients with the highest level of care when faced with physical challenges.
In the meantime, if you want help overcoming a physical issue like Parkinson’s or post-surgical recovery, connect with a team who will be by your side every step of the way. We want to help you regain or maintain as much comfortable movement as possible, and we have the team to help you achieve these goals. For more information or to book your first physical therapy session, reach out to the team at OrthoRehab Specialists today at (612) 339-2041.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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