An aging population and diseases related to aging (Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, neuropathy) increase feet numbness, balance and mobility issues. Affected people stop feeling the ground properly, which makes them lose balance and increases the risk of falls and injuries, which in turn lead to devastating consequences. Patients and families lose their independence and public healthcare costs are rising as a result – now the European population aged 65+ uses 60% of
healthcare resources. One of the ways to reduce the costs of care for the elderly and chronic patients relates to fall prevention.
At Walk With Path we invented Path Feel – an insole that provides vibrational feedback to the feet in real time to help people feel the ground again. It increased the balance and mobility of 92% of users and reduce their risk of falls by 50%. We have proven that it works in a number of pre-clinical studies, and further studies are taking place as part of this project to validate the product in a diabetic population. By bringing mobility back, Path Feel gives more freedom to the patient and the family.
The elderly population in the EU is projected to increase, reaching 75 million by the end of 2020 and 88 million in 2030. Over 220 million people worldwide suffer from balance and sensory issues, and the global walking aids market is estimated to surpass €1 billion by 2023, growing at an estimated CAGR of 4.3% from 2018 to 2023.
Within the project we will finish our existing prototype and make it ready for manufacture, validate it based on clinical and usability testing, certify it according to the required regulations, and introduce it to the market after the project ends.
