Developing a Practical Wearable Vibration Platform for Neurological Rehabilitation - PROJECT SUMMARY Mobility challenges in individuals with walking and balance impairments, including Parkinson’s Disease (PD), often arise from the lack of practical, personalized therapeutic devices for daily use. Wearable vibration therapy presents a promising approach by stimulating mechanoreceptors in the peripheral nervous system and enhancing communication between the brain and extremities. However, existing vibrotactile devices (tactors) are bulky, expensive, and reliant on impractical wired systems, limiting their real-world applicability. Additionally, most devices lack the capability to monitor vibration parameters, preventing the optimization of therapeutic dose delivery. This Exploratory/Developmental R21 project aims to bridge these gaps by developing a flexible, cost- effective, and customizable vibration actuator for wearable integration. The core innovation is a compact, 3D- printed electromagnetic vibrotactile actuator designed for seamless incorporation into textiles, delivering targeted and adjustable vibration therapy. With a diameter of less than 1 cm, the actuator offers a lightweight and flexible alternative to conventional systems, improving usability and patient comfort. Integrated 3D-printed electrodes, wireless signal generators, and monitoring sensors will ensure precise control over vibration amplitude and frequency, supporting improved gait and balance in PD patients. Our goal is for participants to independently wear this electronic textile device without discomfort or walking impairment while clearly perceiving the vibrations. Feedback from PD patients will inform the design to ensure it meets clinical needs and user preferences. Aim 1 focuses on enhancing device functionality by integrating tactile pressure sensors to monitor vibration amplitude on the skin. These sensors will optimize vibration dose delivery while addressing safety concerns related to skin pressure and temperature. The upgraded system will be compared with existing C2 tactors, evaluating vibration effectiveness, patient comfort, device placement, and long-term reliability. Aim 2 advances the development of a flexible, durable, wearable textile system. Efforts will center on optimizing fabric properties for effective vibration transmission and ensuring strong adhesion of components to prevent delamination, ensuring safety for human use. The wearable device will undergo rigorous testing for durability, reliability, and performance, benchmarked against commercially available systems such as Intellinetix vibrating wraps. Our interdisciplinary team brings expertise in 3D printing, polymer processing, wearable textiles, and clinical applications to create a user-friendly and effective device. By replacing rigid components with flexible materials and enabling real-time monitoring, this study hypothesizes improved therapeutic compatibility and usability for PD patients. The device’s potential to improve neurostimulation through precise and comfortable vibration delivery could transform electronic textile- based solutions for gait and balance impairments, bridging the gap between fundamental research and clinical application.
