Hand Tremors Glove in Parkinsonism Patients
Zeyad Hossam El-Dine
Mechatronics Engineering Department,
King Salman International University,
Egypt
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, often manifests as debilitating hand
tremors, significantly impairing daily activities and reducing the quality of life. Current
pharmacological and surgical interventions face limitations, including side effects, high costs,
and accessibility challenges.
This study introduces a novel wearable electronic device designed to mitigate hand tremors using
advanced sensing and actuation technologies. The device integrates high-precision
accelerometers, gyroscopes, and electromyographic (EMG) sensors to detect involuntary hand
movements. Real-time signal processing by a microcontroller unit (MCU) drives actuators to
apply counteracting forces, stabilizing the hand.
Preliminary evaluations demonstrate the device’s potential as a non-invasive, portable, and
customizable solution for tremor management. By enhancing patient independence and quality of
life, this approach addresses critical gaps in current therapeutic options.
Keywords: Parkinson's disease , Hand tremors , Wearable device , Sensing and actuation , Real-
time signal processing
1. Introduction:
Parkinsonism tremors are among the most challenging symptoms to manage,
as they interfere with basic motor tasks such as writing, eating, and holding
objects. Current treatment options often fall short in providing consistent
relief without adverse effects. To address this gap, we designed a wearable
electronic device leveraging sensor-actuator feedback systems to dynamically
counteract tremors and restore hand stability.
Overview of tremor management devices. (A) shows the tremor reduction reported by each paper (percentage, mean
± standard deviation). The color of the bars indicates the technological approach followed by the authors: robotic
exoskeletons in blue, soft exoskeletons in green, FES neuroprosthesis in yellow, and afferent neuroprosthesis in
orange. Symbols indicate the metric used during the validation of the device. (B) shows the number of subjects
involved in the validation. Colors point out if the tremor was successfully managed (in gray), if it remained
unaffected (in purple), or if tremorous movements were simulated (in pink).
1.1. Parkinson's Disease and Tremor Management:
Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurological disorder that affects over 10 million people
globally. It is primarily characterized by motor symptoms, including bradykinesia, rigidity,
and tremors. Hand tremors, in particular, severely impair a patient's ability to perform
routine tasks such as writing, eating, and dressing. Current treatment methods, such as
medication and deep brain stimulation, are effective to an extent but have limitations,
including invasiveness, cost, and diminishing efficacy in advanced stages of the disease.
Hence, there is a pressing need for innovative, non-invasive solutions.
1.2. Existing Wearable Technologies:
Wearable technologies designed for tremor suppression leverage either mechanical or
electronic stabilization mechanisms. While gyroscopic-based devices have shown promise,
they often lack adaptability to individual tremor patterns. Electronic wearables, on the
other hand, can incorporate advanced sensor-actuator systems to dynamically respond to
tremors. Current research focuses on real-time tremor detection using inertial
measurement units (IMUs) and electromyographic (EMG) sensors, but many devices are
still in the prototype stage and face challenges related to power efficiency, accuracy, and
usability.
1.3. Proposed Device Overview:
The proposed wearable device integrates electronic components such as IMUs, EMG
sensors, and microcontrollers to detect and counteract tremors. Actuators generate
compensatory forces to stabilize hand movements, with the device operating on principles
of signal processing and dynamic control. By optimizing size, weight, and battery efficiency,
this project aims to create a practical solution that balances performance and user comfort.
Analysis :
Tremor Measurement:
Acceleration:
Equation: a(t) = d²x(t)/dt²
Description: Measures the rate of change of velocity, which can be used to quantify tremor
severity.
Frequency Analysis:
Fourier Transform: X(f) = ∫[x(t) * e^(-j2πft)] dt
Description: Breaks down the tremor signal into its constituent frequencies to identify
dominant tremor frequencies.
Vibration Feedback:
Vibration Amplitude:
Equation: A(t) = A₀ * sin(ωt + φ)
Description: Determines the intensity of the vibration signal.
Vibration Frequency:
Equation: ω = 2πf
Description: Controls the frequency of the vibration, which can be synchronized with the
tremor frequency.
Machine Learning:
Linear Regression: y = mx + b23.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this study introduces a novel wearable electronic device
designed to mitigate hand tremors in patients with Parkinson's disease,
addressing the significant challenges posed by current treatment methods. By
integrating high-precision sensors, real-time signal processing, and dynamic
actuation, the device offers a promising non-invasive, portable, and
customizable solution for tremor management. Preliminary evaluations
indicate its potential to enhance patient independence and improve quality of
life, making it a valuable alternative to traditional therapies. This approach
not only promises to bridge critical gaps in current treatment options but also
paves the way for more effective, accessible, and personalized care for
individuals living with Parkinson's disease. Future work will focus on refining
the device's performance, battery efficiency, and user comfort to ensure its
practical application and widespread adoption.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
This paper is an output of the science project Tremor glove
References:
1.For general Parkinson's disease management and wearable devices:
(Weiner et al., 2006)
Weiner, W. J., Shulman, L. M., & Lang, A. E. (2006). Parkinson's Disease: The Complete
Guide for Patients and Families. Demos Medical Publishing.
2.For wearable technologies in neurological disorders:
(Geyer et al., 2017)
Geyer, J. L., & Runcie, J. (2017). Wearable robotics for the rehabilitation of patients with
neurological disorders. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 14(1), 1-12.
3.For brain-computer interfaces related to Parkinson's disease:
(Lebedev & Shenoy, 2006)
Lebedev, M. A., & Shenoy, K. V. (2006). Tapping into the brain: Computer interfaces that
manipulate neural activity. IEEE Spectrum, 43(9), 50-56.
4. For deep brain stimulation and wearable technologies in Parkinson's treatment:
(Cunnington, 2012)
Cunnington, R. (2012). Deep brain stimulation and wearable devices in Parkinson's
disease. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 18(8), 1001-1008.
5. For assistive technologies in health care:
(Patel & Aggarwal, 2015)
Patel, R., & Aggarwal, A. (2015). Assistive technology for the hearing impaired, deaf, and
deafblind. In Assistive Technology and Artificial Intelligence (pp. 89-105). Springer.
6.For wearable health devices and their applications:
(G. Anandasivam & S. Vijayakumar, 2017)
G. Anandasivam, & S. Vijayakumar. (2017). Wearable Health Devices. Springer
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3. Professor Ross Cunnington - School of Psychology - University of
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