CareMetric

AI-based gait analysis

The challenge

More than 10 million people live with Parkinson’s disease (PD) worldwide.[1] PD is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. The symptoms usually emerge slowly and, as the disease worsens, become more common. 80% of advanced PD patients experience ‘freezing-of-gait’ attacks, which are the complete inability to move for seconds or even minutes.[2]

Patients find it difficult to handle these symptoms, so doctors generally rely on inaccurate patient diaries to adapt the very complex medication to the patient’s symptom occurrences. This results in a high risk of falling, fractures, and frequent hospitalisations. In Germany, this means that despite the prevalence only being around 0.5%, the cost of treatment is 1% of the total healthcare cost (> 2,5 bn €).[3]

The solution

ParkinsonGo is the ultimate companion for Parkinson’s patients. It is an AI-based gait analysis that provides individualised tracking and advice on symptoms and medication, improving the quality of life for patients.

Based on the symptom patterns, the app provides exercises tailored to the capabilities of the patient and advises on better gait quality and improving stability. It also gives important tips that support the patients in managing their disease.

Attending doctors receive an in-depth analysis of symptom patterns that helps them to find the best treatment regime for their patients.

EIT-Health contributed significantly to the development of ParkinsonGo through their investment in the start-up rescue instrument in 2020.

Expected impact

With the novel functions implemented within the CareMetric project, ParkinsonGo will not only provide neurologists with valuable information for medication adjustment, but support patients’ individual needs based on real-world data.

ParkinsonGo will help patients become an active part of managing their disease. This improves the quality of life, increases participation in social life, fosters patient empowerment, and relieves caregivers. Remote patient monitoring is also a chance for patients to access healthcare, even in remote areas.

External Partners:

• Portabiles HealthCare Technologies

References:

[1] Harvard Health (2020). The facts about parkinson’s disease. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-facts-about-parkinsons-disease

[2] Duncan, P. et al. (2015). Balance differences in people with Parkinson disease with and without freezing of gait. Gait & Posture, 42(3), 306-309.

[3] Nerius, M., et. Al. (2017). Parkinson’s disease in Germany: prevalence and incidence based on health claims data. Acta neurologica Scandinavica, 136(5), 386–392.