Suppression of Parkinsonian Hand Tremors
Undergraduate Senior Capstone & Summer Research
Summer 2018 research poster presentation
Team Parkinson's at Founders' Day.
Overview
During the summer of 2018, I conducted undergraduate research at the University of Portland on the design, development and testing of a wearable device to aid in the suppression of Parkinsonian hand tremors. I was also assigned to this project as my senior Capstone from Sept. 2018 through May 2019, and was unanimously chosen to lead the Capstone team of four. An overview of the project, the testing concepts and theory, and the progress that has been made are discussed here.
Details
Type: Undergraduate Summer Research, team of 2; Capstone, team of 5
Roles: In charge of further research, fabrication and testing of a propriety device to aid in the suppression of Parkinsonian hand tremors. As Capstone Team Leader, I was in charge of leading the team to set and meet goals & objectives throughout the year, conduct human subject testing, and deliver formal documentation and presentations to students and faculty.
Tools & Processes: concept mapping / mood boards / sketches / rapid prototyping / foam core modeling / heat forming / laser cutting / SolidWorks
Outcome
We successfully created a working prototype for proof of concept and conducted human subject testing (which proved the efficacy of the concept!). The research and development of the tremor-suppression device itself is proprietary and subject to a non-disclosure agreement. As a result, detailed information about that important aspect of the project is restricted.
Key Research Developments
I worked with my research partner, Kristen LeBar and my adviser, Dr. Timothy Doughty (previously one of my engineering professors) for ten consecutive weeks during the summer of 2018 on this ongoing project. I led my Capstone team of four seniors under Dr. Doughty's supervision to continue the project from Sept. 2018 through May 2019.
In short, in the course of this work a testing apparatus was created and calibrated to simulate Parkinsonian hand tremors. The wearable mechanical device will suppress the peak, seen in Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a wiring schematic to show the sinusoidal input from the shaker, the spring and damper of the apparatus to adjust the natural frequency, and accelerometers and filters that feed LabVIEW live output readings.
Fig. 1: Wiring schematic of the testing apparatus, modified over the summer of 2018 and re-tested during senior Capstone.
The goal of the wearable device was to suppress tremors at the average natural frequency tremors resonate at (which is 30 radians/sec or 5 Hz). This is represented by Fig. 2 where the blue line (with the device) creates an antinode at 30 rad/s, counteracting the peak in red. As long as the secondary peaks created by the linear model in blue are outside the range of the desired suppression, the wearable device should be successful in theory.
Fig. 2: Theoretical MATLAB plot for the natural frequency of a hand at 30 rad/sec or 5 Hz
Fig. 3: Experimental test of the testing apparatus with and without the device, demonstrating a successful suppression of the antinode at 5 Hz
Research Conclusions
Personal Impact:
I was able to build upon my critical thinking and design skills while taking part in this research-based project. In my role as Capstone team leader, I recognized the importance of teamwork, organization and delegation, and encouraging each individual on my team to excel on his/her own path while working harmoniously. In order to successfully make progress, I held team meetings twice a week (in addition to weekly meetings with our adviser), prepared agendas, recorded meeting minutes, delegated tasks, actively asked for feedback from my team members and remained flexible to achieve the best result.
I oversaw the entire project, and worked closely in every role with each team member to share the experience and knowledge I had acquired during the prior summer research. This included developing mathematical theory, MATLAB models, coordinating human subject testing, and helping revise 3D printed models.
Overall Impact:
The creation of this purely mechanical device will benefit the millions afflicted with Parkinson's disease. Along with suppressing the tremors, this device will also help the patients re-establish independence and self-confidence.
Because this device's iterations are 3D-printed and do not use any electronics in the design, fabricating each device for testing and future manufacturing involves minimal waste and energy consumption.
Supplemental Information
Winter 2018 Showcase Poster
Spring 2019 Final Design Report