feelSpace

Innovative tactile socks as a cueing aid for people with Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. Living with this condition brings numerous daily challenges, including motor impairments such as Freezing of Gait (FOG), where affected individuals suddenly "freeze" in the middle of movement and are unable to take a step forward. This leads to insecurity and frustration when moving around, increases the risk of falls, and negatively impacts quality of life.

To address this problem, feelSpace is developing tactile socks with integrated vibration motors specifically designed to support people with Parkinson's in such moments.

How do the tactile socks work?

The socks use the principle of tactile cueing. This method has been scientifically studied multiple times and has proven to be effective. At the core of feelSpace's work, the solution is envisioned as follows: the socks monitor users’ steps and detect any irregularities. When a Freezing of Gait episode is imminent, a vibration impulse is activated directly on the wearer’s foot. This signal serves as a tactile cue, stimulating the brain and helping patients to resume movement. The vibrations are intended to be effective without distracting or irritating the user.

Scientific prototype with potential

For the scientific studies conducted within the project, feelSpace has developed the concept into a prototype with a strong focus on everyday usability. While the primary goal of prototype development was its application in scientific research, considerations for comfort and practicality have also been integrated. The prototype socks are ergonomically shaped, made of breathable materials, and designed to prevent excessive sweating—an essential factor for both the studies and future everyday use. Their lightweight design ensures they can be worn comfortably in regular shoes and later fit seamlessly into users’ daily routines without being conspicuous.

For scientific testing, the tactile socks are equipped with all the necessary features required for evaluation studies. They include a vibration motor that can be precisely controlled via an app and robust electronics that remain reliable even under intensive use. The socks can also be paired with external devices to record data on movement patterns or the frequency of FOG episodes.

What’s next?

Initial pilot trials have already yielded various types of feedback on the prototype: positive reactions to the design, as well as constructive criticism. This is valuable for development. FeelSpace is compiling all feedback into a catalog to ensure that the second prototype considers all aspects relevant to the daily lives of those affected.

FeelSpace's goal is to develop this technology into an inconspicuous yet effective everyday aid and make it accessible to a wider range of patients. With this, they aim to make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.