Wearable tech device to ease Parkinson’s is trialled

Addenbrooke’s offers Parkinson’s disease inpatients the chance to try a body-worn device developed in Cambridge and aimed at "significantly improving movement - quickly".

Called the CUE1 and commonly worn on the sternum, it delivers specialised patterns of vibration and pulses, known as ‘vibrotactile stimulation and cueing’, which improves motor skills, walking parameters, and reduces freeze-of-gait and stiffness.

The hospital has bought ten devices with the help of the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), and they will be used by patients with Parkinson’s to aid their recovery and support them returning home more quickly. The news coincides with World Parkinson’s Day.

CUH consultant geriatrician, Dr Alistair Mackett who specialises in Parkinson’s disease, met the CUE1 developers, Charco Neurotech, through the Eastern Academic Health Science Network. It exists to connect NHS and academic organisations, local authorities, charities and industry, with a focus on improving outcomes for patients.

Dr Mackett, who is also a training programme director for geriatric medicine in the East of England, said: “I felt that it was exciting to trial the CUE1 devices as they have been shown to be safe with almost no side effects, yet potentially helpful with mobility and a reduction in falls.

Lucy Jung, CEO of Charco Neurotech, based in East Rd, Cambridge said: "We are delighted to see the CUE1 being trialled in a hospital setting for the very first time. It is a milestone for our company and an important step on our journey to bring back smiles to people living with Parkinson’s around the world."