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| The GyroGlove naturally steadies itself, reducing the impact of tremors. (GyroGear) |
Eating can be difficult and embarrassing for
those with tremors, but GyroGear thinks
it has a solution for patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease or
essential tremor. The start-up has created a glove that steadies a
person’s hand, making it easier to complete everyday tasks such as eating.
The glove’s power lies in a bronze disc on the
back of the hand, which weighs about as much as a roll of nickels. It spins at
up to 20,000 rotations per minute, providing a steadying force. The force of
the battery-powered disc is akin to putting one’s hand in molasses. While
moving is not as easy, the benefit is that much of the shaking is naturally
filtered out.
GyroGear is aiming to reduce tremors by 70
percent. In one lab test, the London-based researchers say, it reduced a tremor
by 90 percent.
GyroGear founder Faii Ong was inspired by a
103-year-old hospital patient who couldn’t eat without spilling food. While
cleaning her up, the medical student at Imperial College started to brainstorm
solutions.
Ong cautions that there’s still work to be
done. The glove hasn’t been tested by outside parties, but they plan to publish
their findings in a peer-reviewed journal by the end of the year. They also
hope to begin selling the product by year’s end and are raising funds from
investors.
“The idea of simple, wearable devices to treat
tremor and to avoid the side effects from medications or alternatively the
dangers of surgery is very appealing to patients and health care providers,”
said Michael S. Okun, medical director of the National Parkinson Foundation.
“The GyroGlove is an interesting idea, however many of these types of devices
fall short of the expectations — especially when faced with very severe and
disabling tremor.”
There are other efforts to use mechanical
solutions to aid those with Parkinson’s disease. Lift Labs, a start-up that
Google acquired in 2014, has devised a vibrating spoon and fork to counteract
tremors and make eating easier. While having shown promise for mild tremors, Okun
said it hasn’t proven the most effective solution for more severe cases.
In the long term GyroGear is interested in
adapting its glove to other uses, such as for surgeons, physical therapists,
photographers or anyone seeking to keep a steady hand.
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| The glove is designed to work for two or three hours a day. (Gyrogear) |
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