Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - GONDOLA (Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation for motor rehabilitation in people living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD))

Teaser

Difficulty in walking is a major feature of neurological conditions such as stroke, and Parkinson’s Disease (PD); and loss of mobility is the activity of daily living on which patients place the most value. Impaired walking can be a marker of both disability and disease...

Summary

Difficulty in walking is a major feature of neurological conditions such as stroke, and Parkinson’s Disease (PD); and loss of mobility is the activity of daily living on which patients place the most value. Impaired walking can be a marker of both disability and disease progression. As walking and balance are affected, the risk of falling is greater and the independence of the patients lower. Current treatments for PD patients are based mainly in drugs, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Pallidotomy and lifestyle changes. For stroke patients, the type of treatment depends on the type of stroke. Stroke patients go under rehabilitation as well as drugs, such as: anticoagulants and antihypertensives.
GondolaTM is a propietary portable medical device (Class IIa) for people who live with PD and stroke. Thanks to the improved sensory-motor integration induced by this treatment, neurological patients experience reduced gait impairments.
Gondola treatment normalises the central pattern generator, improving spasticity and general control of the body movements.
During the SME Instrument Phase 1, we have been gathering feedback from neurologists and patients, and conducted further clinical trials, to optimise our design and the features planned for the Phase 2 project.

Work performed

During the Feasibility Study we have describe in detail the next steps to follow in order to bring to commercialization the personal use and the multi-patient versions of the device. Identifying all the activities and stakeholders needed to reach TRL9, work packages and budget preparation for ph2, identification and definition of the full supply chain, definition of the business model and commercialisation strategy, risks, market and competitors’ analysis, etc. As well as the identification of possible distributors, and securing the clinical centres were the clinicals trials will be conducted, were also part of the project.

Final results

GondolaTM reduces freezing of gait, gait hesitation, motor blocks walking disturbances, and balance impairment in intermediate and advanced stages of Parkinson’s. Gondola™ is a complement to traditional drug treatments (mainly when symptoms tend not to respond satisfactorily to those treatments anymore). Long-term use of the Gondola™ device restores rhythmicity of gait and slowness of movements (bradykinesia) and reduces the risk of falls and generates improved confidence and fluidity in walking and increased postural stability. No known treatments can deliver the same benefits to PD and stroke patients.

Website & more info

More info: https://www.gondola-parkinson.com/.