Literature review on assistive technologies for people with Parkinson's disease
Journal:
arXiv
Published Date:
May 24, 2025
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that significantly
impacts motor and non-motor functions. There is currently no treatment that
slows or stops neurodegeneration in PD. In this context, assistive technologies
(ATs) have emerged as vital tools to aid people with Parkinson's and
significantly improve their quality of life. This review explores a broad
spectrum of ATs, including wearable and cueing devices, exoskeletons, robotics,
virtual reality, voice and video-assisted technologies, and emerging
innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and
the Internet of Things (IoT). The review highlights ATs' significant role in
addressing motor symptoms such as freezing of gait (FOG) and gait and posture
disorders. However, it also identifies significant gaps in addressing non-motor
symptoms such as sleep dysfunction and mental health. Similarly, the research
identifies substantial potential in the further implementation of deep
learning, AI, IOT technologies. Overall, this review highlights the
transformative potential of AT in PD management while identifying gaps that
future research should address to ensure personalized, accessible, and
effective solutions.