For millions living with Parkinson’s disease, every step can be a battle against fear and instability. But thanks to Amey Desai, a 30-year-old Indian engineer, hope is taking a new form — a wearable device called WALK, designed to help patients overcome “freezing of gait” and reclaim their mobility.
Developed by Lifespark Technologies, a Mumbai-based health tech startup co-founded by Amey and his father, Dr. Devendra Desai, WALK uses cutting-edge sensors and smart feedback to detect when a person’s movement stalls — and gently stimulates the legs to resume walking.
Born from Love, Built on Science
Amey’s journey began with a personal challenge — his grandfather’s Parkinson’s diagnosis. “When he started facing walking difficulties, we tested the device on him. Seeing him move freely again was emotional,” Amey says.
A graduate of BITS Pilani, Goa, Amey pursued higher studies at the University of Leeds (UK), where he worked under neuroscientist Dr. Samit Chakrabarty. This collaboration helped him understand how movement signals in the body can be externally assisted — a realization that later inspired the WALK device.
How WALK Works
The compact, lightweight device straps around the lower leg and uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, and motion sensors to detect changes in walking rhythm. When a patient freezes mid-step, the system delivers gentle rhythmic vibrations and electrical cues to restart motion.
It pairs with a smartphone app and Pathfinder, a cloud platform that allows doctors to remotely track progress and customize therapy. Clinical trials at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, showed a 50% reduction in freezing episodes among patients using the device.
Transforming Lives Across India
Nearly 300 families across India are already benefiting.
“Before WALK, my mother was terrified of falling. Now, she says, ‘Pairon me jaan aa gayi’ (it feels like life has returned to my legs),” shares Ankit Guria, whose mother has lived with Parkinson’s for 20 years.
For Colonel Arvind Kumar, 70, the change is life-altering. “I can now walk, balance, and even play golf again. WALK is not a cure, but it gave me my freedom back,” he says.
A Step Toward Accessible Healthcare
Priced currently at Rs50,000, Lifespark aims to bring it down to Rs35,000 soon, ensuring affordability. The startup, incubated at SINE, IIT Bombay, continues to refine the device with new research and patient feedback.
“Our goal is to make WALK a global solution — a bridge between medicine, technology, and human hope,” Amey says.
With innovation born out of empathy, WALK is more than just a gadget — it’s a movement toward restoring confidence, dignity, and independence to those whose steps once faltered.
