Addenbrooke's Hospital trials new device which improves movement in Parkinson's patients
The tech was developed in Cambridge
Last updated 22nd Apr 2023
In a world-first trial, Addenbrooke’s Hospital is to offer Parkinson’s patients a body-worn device which aims to improve movement.
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. It was developed in Cambridge.
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.
Dr Alistair Mackett specialises in Parkinson’s disease: “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."
"In the UK almost 1,000 people already use the device, we are the first hospital in the world to use them with inpatients. The pilot will allow us to collect data and understand how best to use the CUE1 device in people with Parkinson’s who have been admitted to hospital.
"We have 20-30 inpatients with Parkinson’s disease at any one time in CUH and their length of stay is significantly longer than average. Often the rate limiting step in discharge is mobility and this device, given the immediacy of effect, is an interesting intervention.
“My hypothesis is that we might be able to see an improvement in mobility allowing patients to better participate in therapy and hopefully go home quicker.”
Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust Chief Executive, Shelly Thake, said: "We are extremely pleased to be able to support this trial and bring the hope of greater movement to Parkinson’s patients, and a reduction in falls. We wish all involved good luck with it."