Palampur researcher bags patent for Parkinson’s tech

Ankita Raghuvanshi, a researcher from Palampur in Kangra district, has brought pride to the region after being granted a patent for an innovative healthcare technology aimed at assisting patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

The patent titled ‘A system for predicting freezing of gait in users’ has been granted by the Indian Patent Office for research conducted during her PhD at Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar. The patent was filed on December 21, 2023, and officially granted on February 6, 2026.

The innovation has been awarded to IIT-Gandhinagar, with Uttama Lahiri, Priya Pallavi and Ankita Raghuvanshi listed as the inventors.

The research focuses on freezing of gait (FOG), a common mobility disorder associated with Parkinson’s disease in which patients suddenly experience difficulty in moving their feet while walking. Such episodes significantly increase the risk of fall and injuries among patients.

As part of the study, researchers conducted trials involving eight Parkinson’s patients and eight healthy individuals to analyse differences in their walking patterns. The objective was to identify early indicators that signal the onset of freezing episodes.

The patented system utilises wearable gait monitoring technology, including sensor-based smart shoes and motion measurement devices attached to the patient’s feet. These sensors continuously collect walking data such as speed, rhythm and movement patterns.

By analysing the data, the system can detect changes in gait behaviour and predict freezing episodes before they occur. The early prediction enables doctors and caregivers to take timely preventive measures, thereby improving patient safety and mobility.

The innovation holds significant promise in the field of neuro-rehabilitation and assistive healthcare technologies, potentially enabling early diagnosis, better monitoring and improved treatment planning for Parkinson’s patients.

Ankita’s achievement highlights the growing contribution of young Indian researchers in developing technologies that can transform healthcare delivery. The accomplishment also brings recognition to Palampur and Himachal Pradesh while reflecting the strong research ecosystem at IIT-Gandhinagar.