Development of accessible residential spaces to improve mobility of people with parkinson's disease

• Grant number: 25/08987-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Industrial Design
• Agreement: CNPq - INCTs
• Principal Investigator: Fabio Augusto Barbieri
• Grantee: Luiz Gustavo Souza da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Arquitetura, Artes, Comunicação e Design (FAAC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/01132-2 - Multidisciplinary Center for the Development of Assistive Technology (MCDAT), AP.CCD

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects approximately 1% of the population over 60 years of age and is characterized by the progressive occurrence of motor and non-motor symptoms, which end up causing difficulties in people's mobility and carrying out daily activities. The main objective of the study is to develop assistive technology tools for residential spaces, in order to provide autonomy and safety in the mobility of people with Parkinson's disease in their homes. Fifty individuals with Parkinson's disease and 32 caregivers or family members of the patients will participate in this study. The project will be divided into three stages, the first of which aims to investigate the main points that present risks of falls and mobility difficulties in residential spaces for people with Parkinson's disease. To this end, data will be obtained through a questionnaire conducted directly with individuals with Parkinson's disease and also with caregivers and family members. In the second stage, proposals will be developed for the application of assistive technology tools in residential environments with a total emphasis on Brazilian typologies. Finally, the application of these assistive technologies will be tested using biomechanical tools to analyze mobility in the laboratory through simulated models of the residence with adaptations with assistive technology and in the field, in the residence adapted to improve accessibility for people with Parkinson's disease. With this, it is expected that the use of appropriate tools in residential environments will improve the mobility and safety of people with PD, reducing architectural barriers resulting in greater autonomy and improving mobility and usability in the places. (AU)