An Augmented Reality Program Can Help Patients Overcome Parkinson’s Symptoms

In 2018, Tom Finn discovered an innovative way to help his father, who exhibited Parkinson’s-like symptoms due to vascular dementia, regain mobility. A physiotherapist introduced him to “cue markers”—colored lines on the floor that help Parkinson’s patients overcome freezing and difficulty walking. Though initially skeptical, Finn was amazed when his father walked easily across colored exercise bands placed on their kitchen floor. This method, called external cueing, uses visual, auditory, or tactile prompts to activate unaffected neural pathways, aiding movement. Inspired by this simple yet effective technique, Finn founded Strolll to explore its potential in Parkinson’s treatment through augmented reality (AR). Collaborating with researchers at VU University in Amsterdam, Strolll developed Reality DTx, AR software that projects disappearing virtual lines onto the ground to guide movement. Clinical trials confirmed the effectiveness of this technology in improving mobility for people with Parkinson’s. In addition to walking aids, Reality DTx incorporates gamified rehabilitation exercises designed to address apathy and depression—symptoms common in Parkinson’s. AR games like whack-a-mole and basketball encourage users to perform functional movements, making therapy more engaging and enjoyable. Mark Ross, Strolll’s head of brand and a Parkinson’s patient himself, highlights how these games motivate people to exercise, overcoming the mental barriers caused by the disease. The software operates on Magic Leap headsets, costing approximately £3,000 ($3,800), with a monthly subscription fee starting at £300. While expensive, Strolll positions its technology as a cost-effective alternative to traditional physiotherapy. The company aims to revolutionize Parkinson’s rehabilitation, with a long-term goal of delivering millions of minutes of therapy weekly by 2029, ultimately improving the quality of life for people living with the disease.