Vibrotactile Stimulation Device Shows Promise in Addressing Gait Issues in Parkinson Disease

Viktoria Azoidou, PhD

(Credit: Charco Neurotech)

Researchers recently assessed the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of CUE1 (Charco Neurotech), a vibrotactile stimulation device designed to address gait issues and motor fluctuations in Parkinson disease (PD). Over a 9-week period, the device demonstrated positive effects on motor function, balance, and nonmotor symptoms, with no reported adverse events.^1,2

In the study, 10 individuals with PD (aged between 46 years to 80 years, disease duration between 3 years to 9 years) used CUE1 and were evaluated at 4 time points. Measures included the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, among others. Participants also completed self-reported assessments of sleep quality and symptom burden.

Immediate improvements were observed in MDS-UPDRS-III scores (P = .008), TUG (P = .022), and FGA (P = .007), indicating enhanced motor function and gait performance. By the end of the nine-week study, cumulative benefits included significant gains in FGA (P <.001) and reductions in fall risk as measured by TUG dual-task testing (P = .031). Non-motor improvements were also reported, with participants experiencing better sleep quality (P = .002) and reductions in motor fluctuations (P =.003).

With full compliance and high usability ratings (80%), the findings suggest that CUE1 was a safe and well-tolerated intervention. Researchers noted that although larger trials may be needed to further confirm these findings, vibrotactile stimulation may offer a novel, noninvasive approach to improving mobility and quality of life for individuals with PD. These results were recently presented at the 2025 International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease (AD/PD), held April 1-5 in Vienna, Austria, by lead author Viktoria Azoidou, PhD, research associate at Charco Neurotech.

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A separate case study provided additional insight into the effects of vibrotactile cueing, demonstrating sustained motor improvements in a patient with severe freezing of gait (FOG) who showed limited response to pharmacological treatment. The findings were previously presented at the 2023 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, held August 27-31, in Copenhagen, Denmark, by lead author Alistair Mackett, MD, clinical assessor at Charco Neurotech.²

In this study, a 77-year-old patient with rapidly progressive FOG was fitted with a Focussed Vibrotactile Stimulation and Cueing Device (FVCD) on the sternum. The noninvasive device, which uses rhythmic vibration to enhance movement control, was worn daily over a 4-month period.

Motor function was assessed at baseline, after 20 minutes of device use, and at 2- and 4-month follow-ups. Initial assessments showed an improvement in motor function after just 20 minutes of FVCD use, with the patient’s MDS-UPDRS III score improving from 35 to 29. This benefit was sustained over time, with further improvement at the 4-month visit (MDS-UPDRS III = 28).

Notably, when the device was turned off, motor function immediately deteriorated back to baseline levels. Although improvements were observed in the Timed Up and Go test, overall gait deterioration continued over the study period due to the severity of the patient’s FOG.

No adverse effects were reported, and the device was well tolerated. Researchers concluded that FVCD could serve as a safe adjunct therapy for patients who experience persistent motor symptoms despite medication. However, authors noted that further research may be needed to determine its long-term efficacy and optimal patient selection.

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REFERENCES
1. Azoidou V, Rowsell K, Camboe E, et al. A pilot interventional study on feasibility and effectiveness of the CUE1 device in Parkinson's disease. Presented at: 2025 International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease (AD/PD); April 1-5. Vienna, Austria. Abstract 587.
2. Azoidou V, Rowsell K, Camboe E, et al. A pilot interventional study on feasibility and effectiveness of the CUE1 device in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2025;133:107349. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2025.107349
3. A. Mackett. Case report on the use of a High Frequency Vibrotactile Stimulation and Cueing Device over 4 months in a patient with Parkinson’s Disease and refractory symptoms [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2023; 38 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/case-report-on-the-use-of-a-high-frequency-vibrotactile-stimulation-and-cueing-device-over-4-months-in-a-patient-with-parkinsons-disease-and-refractory-symptoms/. Accessed April 2, 2025.