A groundbreaking wearable medical device designed to ease the hand tremors experienced by Parkinson’s disease patients has been developed by Sarmad Ullah Khan, a postgraduate researcher at Ziauddin University’s Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ali Asghar.

The innovative device a lightweight, non-invasive bracelet offers a promising alternative to the current treatment landscape riddled with side effects and limited accessibility.

A New Dawn for Parkinson’s Therapy

Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological disorder, primarily affects dopamine production in the brain and leads to symptoms like muscle rigidity, tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and speech changes.

Tremors, particularly in the hands, are among the most visible and debilitating symptoms.

Traditional treatments such as medication and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are often accompanied by significant side effects, including fatigue, blurred vision, and even partial paralysis.

Sarmad’s research addresses this critical challenge by introducing a bracelet device based on a *passive vibration absorption mechanism.

The bracelet utilizes a *mass-spring damping system, where oscillations generated by hand tremors are absorbed by two strategically arranged passive dampers, helping to significantly reduce the amplitude of involuntary hand movement.

Survey Shows High Demand and Acceptance

Before launching the prototype, a detailed survey involving 60 participants — including Parkinson’s patients, caregivers, and medical professionals — was conducted across major neurology centers in Karachi and Lahore, such as Agha Khan University Hospital, JPMC, and Mayo Hospital.

The demographic data revealed:

• 75% of participants were aged between 50–59 years.
• *58% were male, and *75% were Parkinson’s patients.

When asked about their current treatment methods:

• 50% relied on medication,
• 42% used DBS, and
• 8% opted for physical therapy.

However, a staggering 83.3% reported side effects from these treatments, highlighting the urgent need for a safer, user-friendly solution.

When presented with the idea of the wearable anti-tremor bracelet:

• 77% expressed strong interest in using it,
• Citing cost-effectiveness, comfort, and ease of use as the most desirable features.

User-Centered Design: What Makes the Bracelet Different?

Compared to other existing technologies such as smart gloves, robotic drinking aids, and writing-assist pens — which are often heavy, expensive, or task-specific — this bracelet is:

• Compact, thanks to its copper body and friction-control PTFE coating.
• Lightweight and non-invasive, avoiding any intrusive procedures.
• Multipurpose, allowing patients to carry out everyday tasks like writing, eating, or drinking without restriction.

The bracelet is worn like a standard wrist accessory. Once tremors are detected, the oscillatory mechanism kicks in, absorbing kinetic energy through dampers and springs. The friction generated dissipates this energy into the environment, significantly reducing visible hand tremors.

Testing and Results

To evaluate the effectiveness of the device, two key testing methods were proposed:

1. Graphical analysis of angular hand movement before and after wearing the device.
2. Sketch tests by patients, comparing handwriting clarity pre- and post-use.

Initial results suggest a notable reduction in tremor intensity, confirmed by improvements in both angular displacement readings and hand-drawn sketches.

A Step Towards Accessible Innovation

Sarmad Ullah Khan’s research stands out not just for its innovation, but for its human-centric approach. By involving end-users in the design phase and tailoring the device to their feedback, the study ensures real-world applicability and higher adoption potential.

“This bracelet is not only scientifically sound but socially needed. It addresses the emotional and functional pain points that Parkinson’s patients face daily,” said Prof. Dr. Ali Asghar, supervisor of the project.

The research emphasizes *scalability, as the device is **affordable to manufacture, easy to operate, and has the potential to *improve quality of life for millions suffering from Parkinson’s globally.

Conclusion

With 77% of surveyed participants showing a keen interest in adopting this new wearable technology, the Parkinson’s Bracelet designed by Sarmad Ullah Khan marks a transformative step in non-invasive Parkinson’s care.

It offers a viable alternative to invasive surgeries and drug regimens a device that patients can wear with comfort, confidence, and control.