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Description

INDIGO exploits a little known effect in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and a short introduction is necessary. Many people with PD have difficulty initiating and sustaining walking in conditions which would normally present no problems (such as an unobstructed corridor). INDIGO displays moving visual cues in the user’s peripheral visual field within specially adapted glasses and by running MPEG video software on dedicated portable hardware. INDIGO comprises a mobile minicomputer that can be worn on the user’s belt or placed in their pocket. Specially adapted glasses connect to the minicomputer and project MPEG video into the glasses. INDIGO presents sets of visual cues and hardware configurations which have been constructed in conjunction with people with PD during several clinical trials

Once set up, all the user needs to do is to put on the glasses and press an On button. These tasks are possible for someone during periods of akinesia. This simplicity is essential since the device is intended as an aid to daily living by people with PD. This user group not only has the disabilities of PD but is typically over 60 years old and not confident with equipment that looks “technical”.

INDIGO then provides the user with support during intermittent akinetic phases. Users wearing the INDIGO during can walk more easily; enjoy improved dexterity and speech as well as a general easing of disabling muscular tension. Perhaps most significantly, users report a strong sense of wellbeing. A further benefit is accident avoidance: INDIGO should help to reduce the number of falls and injuries suffered by people with PD (although it is too early to confirm this with an epidemiological study).