Design and efficiency evaluation of a new wearable device for multi-degree suppression of hand pathological tremor

Abstract

Sufferers of onset upper limb tremors find difficulty performing daily tasks due to rapid involuntary movements. Traditional treatments being offered help alleviate symptoms but are costly and can be invasive. Wearable technology advancements have introduced the applications of tremor suppression devices. A low-cost wearable bracelet was developed for sufferers of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors to target rest and active tremors. Real-life measured tremor spectrums were used as input signals to design a dynamic vibration absorber. An innovative multiple-slot design allowed for multiple frequency suppression in the range of 3–8 Hz. A finite element analysis simulated the response of the upper limb with and without the bracelet. The results showed an overall suppression decreased tremors by up to 68% and targeted suppression decreased tremors by up to 98.2%.