Learning to suppress tremors: a deep reinforcement learning-enabled soft exoskeleton for Parkinson’s patients

IntroductionNeurological tremors, prevalent among a large population, are one of the most rampant movement disorders. Biomechanical loading and exoskeletons show promise in enhancing patient well-being, but traditional control algorithms limit their efficacy in dynamic movements and personalized int...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Tamás Endrei, Sándor Földi, Ádám Makk, György Cserey
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Robotics and AI
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frobt.2025.1537470/full
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Summary:IntroductionNeurological tremors, prevalent among a large population, are one of the most rampant movement disorders. Biomechanical loading and exoskeletons show promise in enhancing patient well-being, but traditional control algorithms limit their efficacy in dynamic movements and personalized interventions. Furthermore, a pressing need exists for more comprehensive and robust validation methods to ensure the effectiveness and generalizability of proposed solutions.MethodsThis paper proposes a physical simulation approach modeling multiple arm joints and tremor propagation. This study also introduces a novel adaptable reinforcement learning environment tailored for disorders with tremors. We present a deep reinforcement learning-based encoder-actor controller for Parkinson’s tremors in various shoulder and elbow joint axes displayed in dynamic movements.ResultsOur findings suggest that such a control strategy offers a viable solution for tremor suppression in real-world scenarios.DiscussionBy overcoming the limitations of traditional control algorithms, this work takes a new step in adapting biomechanical loading into the everyday life of patients. This work also opens avenues for more adaptive and personalized interventions in managing movement disorders.
ISSN:2296-9144