The Rhythmic walking corrector (RWC) has been based on helping patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Firstly, How does Parkinson's Disease affect someone's walking ability?

Parkinson's Disease has a phenomenon called 'Freezing Gait.' This is when a sudden inability to move the feet forward despite intending to walk. It commonly occurs during walking.

Its causes are not solid in identification, however some possible cases have been pitched up:

"It is not completely clear why some people with PD experience freezing of gait and others do not. Research suggests that there is a relationship between freezing of gait and cognitive difficulties. The brain circuitry that controls gait is extremely complex and involves multiple connections between various parts of the brain, including:

• areas in the front of the brain that plan and initiate movement
• areas of the basal ganglia where the dopaminergic neurons that refine and control movement are found
• areas in the brainstem which modulate movement and wakefulness"

(Freezing of Gait & Parkinson's Disease | American Parkinson Disease Association)

Learning that there may be a disconnect in neurological pathways, this hypothesis was used to construct the RWC :

"What if a forceful and primal activation of the neurons in the leg will get it to move again?"

What does the RWC do?

The RWC has a base floor where all its mechanical components (2 mechanical systems) lay. The RWC when triggered has a vibrating system and a squeezing system simultaneously run.

In the electrical floor of the RWC, the XIAO MCU has a built in IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) which acts as the device to detect a drag in the user's leg. The IMU takes relative position measurements and will send its data to the MCU to be interpreted.

The MCU evaluates the data, and if evaluated that there is a drag/slowing in the motion of the user's leg the MCU will direct Direct Current to the following systems:

The Buzzing Mechanism

Controlled by a Linear Resonance Actuator (LRA) coin. The LRA coin will begin to vibrate and cause a felt vibration by the user.

The Squeezing Mechanism

Controlled by a Rack and Pinion attached to the device's straps. The rack and pinion will pull the straps a bit inside which when the straps are buckled will cause a squeeze by the straps on the leg.

Why these mechanisms?

An unexpected and sudden squeeze and buzz on the ankle can be interpreted by the brain as a threat. A sudden grab at a vulnerable limb - could be an animal intending to do harm. A buzz causes the same. The brain could potentially force the neurons to create a reflex and get the leg moving again.