Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: CLARISSA FERNANDES BEZERRA

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : CLARISSA FERNANDES BEZERRA
DATE: 06/12/2024
TIME: 14:30
LOCAL: Remoto
TITLE:

Vibrotactile Biofeedback System Applied to Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease: A
Proof of Concept

KEY WORDS:

Parkinson Disease; Postural Control; Wearable Devices.

PAGES: 90
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional
SUMMARY:

ABSTRACT:
Introduction: Postural instability is one of the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson's
Disease (PD) and is a significant predictor of falls in this population. It can be
assessed through Plantar Pressure Distribution (PPD). The use of wearable in-shoe
devices equipped with pressure-sensitive sensors has emerged as an interesting
strategy for assessing PPD. Objetive: The objective of this study was to evaluate the
usability and performance of a wearable device with a Vibrotactile Biofeedback
System, developed to analyze plantar pressure magnitude and control postural
instability in individuals with PD. Methodology: This proof-of-concept study was
conducted at the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience (IIN-
ELS/ISD) in partnership with the Laboratory of Intervention and Movement Analysis
(LIAM/UFRN). The sample consists of participants with PD (n=5) and without PD
(n=5), all of whom will use a pair of insoles containing Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR)

sensors and a Vibrotactile Biofeedback System. Usability will be analyzed through the
adapted Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology
questionnaire (BQUEST 2.0). Device performance will be evaluated with six questions
formulated by the researchers regarding the device’s proper functioning during data
collection. Participants will perform four static standing tasks while using the insoles on
a pressure-sensitive walkway that captures spatial, temporal, and pressure parameters
(ProtoKinetics Zeno™ Walkway Gait Analysis System). Expected Results: The study
aims to introduce a new device capable of assessing postural instability in individuals
with PD in a practical, accessible, and reliable way. Additionally, it is expected to
provide insights for future studies that may evaluate the use of Vibrotactile
Biofeedback in controlling postural instability in this population.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Externa à Instituição - LEDYCNARF JANUÁRIO DE HOLANDA
Externa à Instituição - LORENNA MARQUES DE MELO SANTIAGO - ISD
Presidente - 2319151 - TATIANA SOUZA RIBEIRO