Open-Source
Vibrotactile Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
BlueBuzzah develops open-source vibrotactile coordinated reset (vCR) therapy devices. Our wireless gloves deliver gentle, patterned vibrations to fingertips based on peer-reviewed research showing potential benefits for motor symptoms.
What is BlueBuzzah?
BlueBuzzah is a community-driven, open-source project creating accessible vibrotactile therapy devices for people living with Parkinson's disease. Our approach is inspired by groundbreaking research on vibrotactile coordinated reset (vCR) stimulation.
The system applies gentle vibrations to fingertips, stimulating sensory neurons connected to motor control regions of the brain. Research suggests this may help address tremor, rigidity, and movement challenges.
Built on readily available hardware and open-source firmware, BlueBuzzah empowers patients, caregivers, and makers to build their own therapy devices.
Disclaimer
BlueBuzzah devices are not FDA approved medical devices
and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided through
BlueBuzzah is for general wellness purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical
advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Important: People with implanted electrodes from deep brain
stimulation (DBS), heart pacemakers, or other internal electronic devices should take
special precautions around all electronic devices, including BlueBuzzah. Consult your
physician before use.
Peer-Reviewed Research
BlueBuzzah is inspired by groundbreaking clinical research on vibrotactile coordinated reset (vCR) stimulation conducted by leading neuroscience researchers.
Vibrotactile Coordinated Reset Stimulation for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Tass PA, MD, PhD — Stanford University School of Medicine
Review of vCR stimulation as non-invasive treatment delivering patterned vibratory bursts to fingertips. Patients showed significant reductions in UPDRS motor scores with some reducing medication doses during treatment.
Coordinated Reset Vibrotactile Stimulation Induces Sustained Cumulative Benefits in Parkinson's Disease
Pfeifer KJ, Kromer JA, Cook AJ, et al.
Clinical feasibility study demonstrating significant motor improvements over three months with benefits persisting at six-month follow-ups. Brain imaging revealed decreased cortical sensorimotor high beta power after treatment.
The BlueBuzzah Ecosystem
A complete open-source platform for vibrotactile therapy, from hardware to software.
BlueBuzzah Hardware
Open-source glove hardware featuring LRA (Linear Resonant Actuator) tactors, Adafruit Feather nRF52840, and 3D-printable enclosures.
- DIY build instructions
- PCB design files
- 3D printable parts
BlueBuzzah Updater
Desktop application for device management. Flash updates and configure your devices with intuitive step-by-step wizards.
- macOS & Windows
- Auto firmware updates
- Device configuration
BuzzahBuddy
Mobile companion app for therapy session control and progress monitoring. Start, stop, and customize your therapy sessions from your phone.
- iOS & Android
- Session tracking
- Progress insights
Download BlueBuzzah Updater
Get started by downloading the device management app for your operating system.
System Requirements
Acknowledgements
BlueBuzzah exists thanks to the dedication of researchers, community members, and contributors, including but not limited to:
Dr. Peter Tass & Tass Lab, Stanford
For all their dedicated work in inventing and improving a vibrotactile glove treatment for Parkinson's.
The Parkinson's Community
Community members from Health Unlocked, GitHub, YouTube, and beyond for their participation, feedback, and suggestions.
The Founding BlueBuzzah Partners
Phillip and Mark, for their tireless efforts in research, development, prototyping, testing, and open-sourcing the BlueBuzzah project.
Kris Wilk
For the development and contribution of the original Buzzah! wired device and software.