WALK, an innovation giving new hope to Parkinson’s patients

October 29, 2025 Innovation Valli Sarvani

Across India, a new wave of health technology is transforming lives, and WALK, a wearable innovation by Lifespark Technologies, stands out as one of the most remarkable examples.

Designed to help people with Parkinson’s disease regain their ability to walk steadily, the device is blending science with compassion in a way that’s changing lives.

The story of WALK began in Mumbai, where engineer Amey Desai and his father, Dr Devendra Desai, founded Lifespark Technologies.

Reports suggest that Amey’s personal experience with his grandfather’s struggle against Parkinson’s sparked the idea for this breakthrough device.

He had shared that watching his grandfather regain movement during early tests of the prototype had been an emotional and motivating experience.

Amey, an alumnus of BITS Pilani, had studied further at the University of Leeds (UK), where he worked with neuroscientist Dr Samit Chakrabarty.

Their research into how the brain controls movement reportedly influenced the design of WALK, a compact, smart wearable that assists the body when motion suddenly stops.

The device, which straps to the lower leg, uses motion sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes to analyse walking patterns.

When a user’s step freezes, it sends gentle rhythmic vibrations and mild electrical cues, helping the legs to move again naturally.

It is also connected to a mobile app and cloud platform called Pathfinder, which allows doctors to remotely monitor patient data and customise treatments.

According to clinical trials at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, patients using WALK showed a 50% reduction in freezing episodes.

Nearly 300 families across the country have already adopted the device. Family members have said their loved ones now walk with renewed confidence.

Currently priced at ₹50,000, Lifespark aims to make the device more affordable by reducing the cost to ₹35,000.

The company, incubated at SINE, IIT Bombay, continues to refine the technology based on patient feedback.

Amey has reportedly stated that the team envisions WALK not merely as a medical tool, but as a symbol of empowerment, proof that empathy-driven innovation can restore both mobility and dignity.

Image Credit: Lifesparktech