Team NeX Wins 1st Place with Music Therapy App for Parkinson’s Disease

In a groundbreaking display of creativity and scientific ingenuity, Anshu Nallapothula, Maryam Asim, and Yinely Rodriguez recently took first place at BioMedizone’s Innovation Conference with their music therapy app designed to help treat Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The project, which aims to integrate music-based interventions into the daily routines of individuals with PD, stood out among dozens of submissions for its practical application, thorough research, and clear potential for real impact. The team’s achievement has not only earned them the top prize but will also be published in Stanford Intersect, a renowned journal dedicated to showcasing student-led research at the intersection of science, technology, and society.

Addressing an Underrated Neurologic Disorder

In a virtual interview, when asked about their motivation, the students emphasized the lack of public awareness surrounding Parkinson’s Disease, despite its significant impact.
“We often hear about ones such as dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease but when Parkinson’s Disease is mentioned, not many people are aware of it or fully understand its effects and impact, particularly, in a region with a higher prevalence of the disease,” the team shared. “With the increasing use of smartphones and digital apps, we saw a clear opportunity to integrate music therapy, both a simple but effective strategy, into their daily routines, offering them a sense of autonomy and control over their treatment.”
Music therapy, which has been shown to improve motor function, mood, and quality of life, became the foundation of their app. By enabling users to engage with therapeutic music sessions through a simple, personalized platform, the team hoped to offer patients a sense of autonomy and control over their treatment.

From Concept to Creation: The Road to Success

The project’s success was driven by the group’s collaborative approach and meticulous attention to detail.
“We divided the work between the three of us and held regular check-ins to stay on track,” they explained. “First, we worked on thoroughly researching and understanding Parkinson’s Disease, specifically its effects on older men, which helped us understand the motor, cognitive, and emotional challenges faced by PD patients. Next, we worked on creating a plan on how we were going to go about this project and what initiatives we were going to take to achieve clear results.”
With this knowledge, the team designed a user-friendly interface for their app. Prioritizing accessibility, they incorporated personalized music therapy sessions tailored to the needs of PD patients. The app’s straightforward design ensures ease of use, even for individuals with limited technological proficiency—an essential consideration for their target demographic.

Professional Recognition and Future Aspirations

The project’s attention to detail and practical application drew praise from professionals in the field.
“Many professionals stated that our project was well researched and very detailed throughout,” the team noted. “We also received valuable feedback, including the need to address potential limitations, such as participant adherence to the therapy program and the subjective nature of some outcome measures.”
Looking ahead, the students have ambitious plans for the future of their app. While they have not yet partnered with any schools, districts, or companies, they are eager to collaborate with healthcare institutions to scale their project.
“We envision our app being incorporated into the daily lives of PD patients, helping them manage their symptoms more effectively,” the group said. “We hope to expand its reach to multiple regions and ultimately see it used in hospitals and clinics as part of routine care.”

A Well-Deserved Spotlight

With their first-place finish at BioMedizone’s Innovation Conference and the upcoming publication in Stanford Intersect, this team’s music therapy app is poised to make a meaningful impact in the field of neurological healthcare. Their innovative solution not only highlights the power of student-driven research but also offers a promising glimpse into the future of tech-enabled therapeutic interventions for Parkinson’s Disease.

If you're interested in participating in more research-based conferences like this one, check out our website: https://www.biomedizone.org