PhD position on Developing vibrating socks to overcome and prevent freezing of gait in Parkinson’s patients

In the Vibrating Socks project we will develop a patient-centered, clinically and scientifically evaluated prototype of a small device worn around the ankle that contains a sensor and a vibration actuator that will analyse gait patterns retrieved from the sensor data using machine learning algorithms and provides a vibrotactile cue when gait disturbances or a freezing episode is detected. In addition, an app is being developed that connects to the device and stores and summarizes relevant data in an easy-to-understand format for people with Parkinson’s disease and health providers.

Gait impairments and freezing of gait are one of the most disabling symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease and may be provoked by turning, passing through narrow passages, but also by emotional distress, cognitive dual tasks, and experiencing time pressure. By increasing our understanding of these impairments we will develop and optimize the prototype such that each individual patient can benefit the most from it in improving gait and preventing freezing and falls.

We look for a dedicated researcher with a passion for studying human cognition and motor control by analysing physiological and behavioural signals recorded from smart sensors worn by Parkinson patients, and a keen interest in the development of smart tools to aid these patients in daily living situations. One of the objectives of the project is to determine which cueing strategies have the best effect in preventing or overcoming freezing gait impairments and freezing under specific environmental conditions and/or increased mental load or dual tasking.

Applicants are welcomed to submit their application before the 1st of July 2023. Include in your application:

• A motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation to apply for a PhD position in our group.
• A full Curriculum Vitae including your publications, awards, and working experience. Your CV should demonstrate the scope of your work and education and indicate a good fit with the stated requirements for the position.
• Contact details of at least two referees.
• An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education, including grades.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact dr. Ciska Heida, [email protected].

The group Biomedical Signals & Systems aims to enable improved diagnosis and treatment of patients with motor, sensory and cardiopulmonary dysfunction in clinical and home/self-care setting. Our research is embedded in the multidisciplinary research institute Technical Medicine (TechMed) Centre.

The team working on Central Motor Control, led by Ciska Heida and Richard van Wezel, combines computational modelling and experimental research to study the neuronal mechanisms of movement disorders and to develop new and optimize existing therapeutic neuromodulation strategies such as deep brain stimulation and cueing. You will be co-supervised by Marleen Tjepkema-de Boer of the Clinical Neurophysiology group and the Hospital MST. The project is part of a larger collaborative project between University of Münster, Hospital MST (Enschede), Radboud UMC, Radboud University, companies and patient organizations.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.