A hacked Microsoft Kinect games controller has been used to relieve one of the most distressing symptoms of Parkinson's - freezing of gait.
Many patients are afflicted by 'freezing of gait' where suddenly, in mid-stride, the muscles freeze and they are left unable to move forward, or they simply fall over. Previous research has found that giving visual clues, such as projecting lines ahead on the floor, “unfreezes” the muscles but equipment had to be worn.
Scientists at Brunel University London have turned Microsoft’s Kinect computer games controller into a system that can instead be installed into a patient’s home and is linked to a ceiling mounted laser. The Kinect system can project prompt lines when the software detects a 'FOG' incident and if a patient falls, the system detects it and automatically triggers a video conferencing call.
“All the other systems require a patient to wear sensors and power packs where our solution is unobtrusive and covers a whole room," says Dr. Konstantinos Banitsas. “By mounting the laser guide marker on the ceiling it can provide the visual clues in any direction. And it is only activated when a FOG incident occurs instead of having to be worn constantly.
“The system has already passed proof of concept stage and we will shortly begin patient trials.”
Amin Amini Maghsoud Bigy and Dr. Konstantinos Banitsas. Credit: Brunel University
