🥽 Augmented reality, enhanced mobility in Parkinson's disease

Welcome back to Healthy Innovations! 👋

Healthy Innovations is the newsletter for forward-looking clinicians and healthcare business leaders who want to get to grips with the latest advances in this fast-paced industry. From AI-powered diagnostics to revolutionary gene therapies, I will highlight the fascinating breakthroughs reshaping healthcare and what this means for you, your business and the wider community.

In this issue of Healthy Innovations, we are deep diving into the world of augmented reality (AR) to ask the question, is the use of AR a credible management strategy for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD)?

So let’s dive in!

AR technology is reshaping Parkinson's disease

I have been interested in the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in healthcare for many years, so when I see a good example of its use in clinical management, I take note.

One such example caught my eye this week in a Wired article about an innovative AR company called Strolll (yes with 3 Ls!).

When Strolll’s founder Tom Finn noticed how simple colored lines on the floor dramatically improved his father's ability to walk despite vascular dementia symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease (PD), he stumbled upon a powerful insight. This observation would eventually lead to an innovative application of AR in neurological care.

Exergaming for health

The technique Finn observed, known as external cueing, uses visual, auditory, or tactile prompts to engage neural pathways unaffected by the disease. Recognizing the potential to modernize this approach through technology, Finn founded Strolll and developed Reality DTx® - a digital therapeutic software platform that harnesses the power of AR.

Reality DTx® works by projecting virtual colored lines onto the floor through AR headsets, including consumer devices like Apple's Vision Pro. The platform enables home-based 'exergaming' - exercise-based gaming interventions specifically designed for people with Parkinson's disease. A clinical feasibility study involving 20 PD patients has already demonstrated that the platform is both safe and effective in improving gait and balance.

This innovative approach isn't unique to Strolll.

A similar technique called DART (Dual-task Augmented Reality Treatment) utilizes Microsoft's HoloLens2 to deliver dual-task training (DTT). These exercises engage the brain and body simultaneously - imagine walking while listening to an audiobook or talking while grocery shopping. The approach directly addresses how Parkinson's disease affects the brain's ability to manage concurrent mental and physical tasks. A Cleveland Clinic trial with 47 participants validated the effectiveness of this AR-based digital therapeutic in managing PD symptoms. Importantly, similar to the Reality DTx study, this trial also showed higher adherence than seen with traditional physical therapy.

Turning everyday spaces into therapeutic environments

Innovations like Strolll and DART represent more than just technological advances - they offer hope and independence to millions affected by Parkinson's disease.

By transforming our living spaces into therapeutic environments through AR, we can make evidence-based treatments more effective and engaging than ever before. As consumer AR devices become more accessible, I think we will definitely see a new era in home-based neurological care, where the barriers between clinical treatment and daily life continue to blur in the most beneficial ways.

Innovation highlights

😓 A breakthrough solar-powered sweat sensor now enables continuous monitoring of health markers like glucose, pH, and salt levels without batteries. The wearable device, powered by high-efficiency perovskite solar cells, offers a promising non-invasive and affordable tool for managing diabetes and other health conditions.

🧠 A groundbreaking discovery reveals the heart's own sophisticated nervous system—a "mini-brain" that independently controls the heartbeat. Studies using zebrafish models identified specialized neurons that regulate heart rhythm, challenging traditional views and potentially revolutionizing heart disease treatment.

🧬 A tiny DNA-folded "hand" called the NanoGripper can now grab and detect COVID-19 virus particles. This microscopic tool could lead to preventive nasal sprays and new detection methods, with promising applications for other viruses and cancer treatment.

Cool tool

🎙️If, like me, you like the idea of journaling but not the practice, then perhaps Voice Pal is for you. Described as a ghostwriter in your pocket, this voice-to-text app will not only transcribe your thoughts; it will also send you a series of relevant follow-up prompts. The accuracy is incredible, and I think for capturing and organising your thoughts it is a great option. Paid subscription required.

Company to watch

🦾 Phantom Neuro is a neurotechnology company revolutionizing prosthetic technology through its groundbreaking muscle-machine interface.

Based in Austin, this innovative startup implants tiny, flexible sensors beneath the skin that capture and translate muscle signals into fluid, natural movements of robotic limbs and exoskeletons.

Unlike traditional surface electrodes, Phantom Neuro’s minimally invasive system provides remarkably precise control by connecting directly with muscles, giving people with limb differences the power to move prosthetics as naturally as their own limbs.

Although not tested in humans yet (only non-invasively in pigs) the team hope to make that jump in 2025, and given the safety profile (especially versus brain implants) this innovation could reach commercialization as early as 2026 or 2027.

Weird and wonderful

🐑 Tired of counting sheep on a blank ceiling?

An innovative new concept called Loom aims to turn your bedroom ceiling into a canvas of calming visuals. With a simple twist of its telescope-like interface, you can project starry skies or drifting clouds above your bed, bringing the outdoors inside for those who can't easily access nature. While still a concept, Loom suggests an intriguing alternative to doom-scrolling before bed.

Thank you for reading the Healthy Innovations newsletter!

Keep an eye out for next week’s issue, where I will highlight the healthcare innovations you need to know about.

Have a great week! Alison ✨

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