A noninvasive handheld assistive device to accommodate essential tremor: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Essential tremor (ET) is a common neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking.
• Tremor significantly impacts daily activities such as eating and transferring objects.
• Current management strategies for ET may have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a noninvasive handheld device employing Active Cancellation of Tremor (ACT) technology.
• To determine if ACT technology can stabilize spoon motion in individuals diagnosed with essential tremor.
• To assess the impact of ACT on tremor severity and amplitude during specific tasks.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen participants with essential tremor (ET) were enrolled.
• Participants performed three tasks (holding, eating, transferring) with the ACT device both on and off.
• Tremor severity was assessed using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TRS) and subjective improvement via the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI-S).
• Tremor amplitude was objectively measured using device-embedded accelerometers in a subset of participants.

Main Results:

• The ACT device significantly reduced TRS scores across all three tasks compared to the device being off (P < 0.016).
• Subjective ratings (CGI-S) indicated improvement during eating and transferring tasks.
• Accelerometer data revealed a substantial reduction in tremor amplitude, ranging from 71% to 76%, when the ACT device was active.

Conclusions:

• The noninvasive handheld ACT device effectively reduces tremor amplitude and severity in individuals with essential tremor.
• ACT technology shows promise for improving functional capabilities in patients with ET, particularly for tasks like eating and transferring.
• This device represents a potential advancement in non-pharmacological management of essential tremor symptoms.