Revolutionary smart sock brings back lost feeling!

Revolutionary smart sock brings back lost feeling!

A groundbreaking innovation in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy could soon become reality: The “smart sock” called “NeuroStep” was developed by researchers at the Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at MedUni Vienna and ETH Zurich. This innovative technology aims to rehabilitate the impaired nerve conduction in the feet using targeted electrical impulses. The study, which is currently in the specialist magazineNature Communicationspublished shows promising results after tests on 14 patients at the University Hospital of Zurich and Balgrist, such as Small newspaper reported.

The special thing about the neuroprosthesis is its individual adaptability. Using a personalized calibration process, the electrical impulses are specifically adapted to the degree of nerve damage. The technology works in a closed loop as patients walk, providing real-time feedback that provides a new sense of security and improved movement coordination. The first results show that the test subjects reported significant progress in their sensation and less pain after just one day of use. These findings are based on magnetic resonance imaging, which shows that the brain processes the restored feeling in a similar way to natural sensory stimuli.

Clinical studies as the key to innovation

However, future steps are necessary before “NeuroStep” can be used in regular treatment. The research team is already planning a follow-up study on long-term use and its effects on diabetic neuropathy, as reported in information from Zurich University Hospital emerges. Clinical trials are crucial to ensure that new treatments meet current scientific standards and put patients' well-being first. Not only are new medications being researched, but the development of innovative treatment approaches is also being analyzed.