Overview
flowchart TD
companies_charco_neurotech["Charco Neurotech"]
style companies_charco_neurotech fill:#4fc3f7,stroke:#333,color:#000
companies_charco_neu_0["Product: CUE1+"]
companies_charco_neurotech -->|"includes"| companies_charco_neu_0
style companies_charco_neu_0 fill:#81c784,stroke:#333,color:#000
companies_charco_neu_1["Physical Design"]
companies_charco_neurotech -->|"includes"| companies_charco_neu_1
style companies_charco_neu_1 fill:#ef5350,stroke:#333,color:#000
companies_charco_neu_2["How It Works"]
companies_charco_neurotech -->|"includes"| companies_charco_neu_2
style companies_charco_neu_2 fill:#ffd54f,stroke:#333,color:#000
companies_charco_neu_3["Intended Benefits"]
companies_charco_neurotech -->|"includes"| companies_charco_neu_3
style companies_charco_neu_3 fill:#ce93d8,stroke:#333,color:#000
companies_charco_neu_4["Key Features"]
companies_charco_neurotech -->|"includes"| companies_charco_neu_4
style companies_charco_neu_4 fill:#4fc3f7,stroke:#333,color:#000
companies_charco_neu_5["Clinical Evidence"]
companies_charco_neurotech -->|"includes"| companies_charco_neu_5
style companies_charco_neu_5 fill:#81c784,stroke:#333,color:#000
...Overview
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
Charco Neurotech is a UK-based medical device company specializing in non-invasive wearable technology specifically designed for people with [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)[@charco]. Founded by a team of designers, engineers, and clinicians, Charco focuses on developing accessible, user-friendly devices that address motor symptoms of Parkinson's without requiring medication or invasive procedures.
Product: CUE1+
The CUE1+ is Charco Neurotech's flagship product—a small, wearable device designed to help manage Parkinson's symptoms through non-invasive neurostimulation.
Physical Design
| Feature | Specification |
|---------|---------------|
| Size | About the size and weight of a small pebble |
| Wearability | Can be worn discreetly under clothing or as an accessory |
| Comfort | Non-invasive, designed for daily use |
| Battery | Rechargeable, all-day battery life |
| Water Resistance | Splash-resistant for everyday use |
How It Works
The device uses two primary mechanisms[@vibrotactile2020]:
Pulsed Cueing: Rhythmic signals to help initiate movement and reduce freezing of gait
High-Frequency Focused Vibrotactile Stimulation: Gentle vibratory stimulus to the peripheral nervous system that modulates motor controlThe combination of these mechanisms targets multiple motor symptoms simultaneously, providing a non-pharmacological approach to Parkinson's symptom management.
Intended Benefits
The CUE1+ aims to alleviate:
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia): Facilitates initiation of voluntary movements
- Stiffness and rigidity: Reduces muscle tension through sensory feedback
- Freezing of gait: Provides rhythmic cueing to overcome episode freezing
- General movement difficulties: Enhances overall motor function
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| Standalone Operation | Works independently without smartphone |
| Mobile App | Optional CUE app for iOS/Android with customization |
| Customizable Settings | Adjustable stimulation intensity and patterns |
| Medication Reminders | Discreet vibration alerts for medication timing |
| Symptom Tracking | App-based logging of symptom patterns |
Clinical Evidence
Charco Neurotech has collected clinical data on the CUE1+ device:
Pilot Study Results
- Average improvement: 7.8 points on the MDS-UPDRS (Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale)[@mdsupdrs]
- Statistical significance: Results described as "clinically significant" per company reporting
- User base: Over 3,000 people currently use the CUE Device daily
Ongoing Research
The company continues to collect real-world evidence and conduct additional clinical validation studies to further establish efficacy.
Development and Partnerships
Origins
The device was developed through collaboration between:
- Imperial College London: Academic research partnership for neurostimulation research
- Clinical Experts: Movement disorder specialists provided clinical input
- Patient Organizations: Parkinson's UK and similar groups contributed to user-centered design
Design Philosophy
Charco's approach emphasizes:
- Non-invasiveness: No surgical procedures or implanted devices
- Accessibility: Simple operation suitable for all ages
- User comfort: Discreet, comfortable design for all-day wear
- Complementary therapy: Can be used alongside药物治疗
Technology Background
Vibrotactile Stimulation
Vibrotactile stimulation for Parkinson's disease is based on the principle that sensory input can influence motor output. Research has shown that:
- Peripheral sensory stimulation can modulate central motor circuits
- Rhythmic cueing helps compensate for internal timing deficits in PD
- High-frequency vibration may reduce tremor through sensory interference
Mechanism of Action
While the exact mechanism is still being researched, proposed mechanisms include:
Sensory gating that reduces abnormal motor oscillations
Activation of sensory pathways that facilitate movement initiation
Attention modulation through somatosensory feedbackMarket Position
Competitive Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
|-----------|-------------|
| Non-invasive | No surgery or implanted hardware required |
| Easy to use | Simple one-button operation |
| Discreet design | Worn under clothing, unnoticeable |
| Medication companion | Works alongside existing PD medications |
| No side effects | Non-pharmacological approach |
Comparison with Other Technologies
| Feature | Charco CUE1+ | Deep Brain Stimulation | Levodopa |
|---------|-------------|------------------------|----------|
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Surgical implant | Oral medication |
| Side effects | Minimal | Hardware complications | Long-term complications |
| Cost | Lower | High | Ongoing |
| Immediate effect | Yes | Yes (after tuning) | Yes |
Pricing and Access
- Device Cost: Available for purchase directly from the company
- Availability: Ships internationally
- Insurance Coverage: Variable by country and provider
- Trial Period: Company offers satisfaction guarantees
User Experience
Daily Use
Users report integrating the CUE1+ into their daily routines:
- Morning routine: Wear during morning activities when symptoms are often more pronounced
- Medication "off" periods: Use during times when medication wears off
- Exercise and physical therapy: Complementary to rehabilitation activities
- Social occasions: Discreet design allows use in public without drawing attention
Common user experiences include:
- Improved movement initiation
- Reduced freezing episodes
- Better medication timing awareness
- Enhanced confidence in daily activities
Regulatory Status
| Region | Status |
|--------|--------|
| UK | CE marked as medical device |
| EU | CE marked |
| US | FDA registration (class I medical device) |
| Other | Expanding to additional markets |
| Attribute | Details |
|-----------|---------|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Type | Medical device company |
| Mission | Improving quality of life for people with Parkinson's |
Related Pages
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Wearable Devices for PD](/topics/wearables-parkinsons)
- [Non-Drug Therapies for PD](/topics/non-drug-parkinsons-therapies)
- [Deep Brain Stimulation](/treatments/deep-brain-stimulation)
- [PD Neurotechnology](/companies/pd-neurotechnology)
- [Rune Labs](/companies/rune-labs)
See Also
- [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Movement Disorders](/topics/movement-disorders)
References
[Charco Neurotech Official Website](https://www.charconeurotech.com/)
[Imperial College London Partnership](https://www.imperial.ac.uk/)
[MDS-UPDRS Movement Disorder Society Rating Scale](https://www.movementdisorders.org/)
[Woods V, et al. Vibrotactile Stimulation Effects on Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease. Journal of Neurology. 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)Pathway Diagram
The following diagram shows the key molecular relationships involving Charco Neurotech discovered through SciDEX knowledge graph analysis:
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)