Movement tracking device can effectively help assess progression of Parkinson's disease

A device that measures movement and balance can effectively help assess and track the progression of Parkinson's disease, even when medications are used to reduce Parkinson's symptoms, UT Southwestern Medical Center research found.

Researchers found that the APDM Mobility Lab - a portable set of sensors that track gait, balance and other movement - can effectively help clinicians estimate the depth and severity of the neurological disorder in affected individuals, even while patients are taking medications to control trembling and other symptoms. The findings appear in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences.

"Objective assessment tools for Parkinson's disease are needed to accelerate progress in developing effective therapies," said

The APDM Mobility Lab uses wearable sensors and sophisticated signal processing to track even subtle changes in gait, stride, balance, rotation, and efficiency and range of movement in upper and lower limbs and torsos. The system is typically used for athletic training and by universities for research and evaluation.

The UT Southwestern findings evolved from a clinical trial comparing 135 individuals with Parkinson's disease and 66 people without the disorder. Participants performed two tasks designed to assess gait and balance while connected to the APDM Mobility Lab through six small sensors on the limbs, chest, and lumbar area. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Parkinson Disease Biomarker Program.

Dr. Thomas McConnell, who has early-stage Parkinson's disease, was a participant in the clinical trial.

"I understand the necessity of good research to advance medical care and treatment," said Dr. McConnell, a Clinical Professor of Pathology at UT Southwestern. "This is a diagnostic trial, not therapeutic. But now we have hope for an earlier and more certain diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, and identifying the most effective treatment."

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    APDM Wearable Technologies. (2019, June 19). Movement tracking device can effectively help assess progression of Parkinson's disease. News-Medical. Retrieved on November 04, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20150204/Movement-tracking-device-can-effectively-help-assess-progression-of-Parkinsons-disease.aspx.

  • MLA

    APDM Wearable Technologies. "Movement tracking device can effectively help assess progression of Parkinson's disease". News-Medical. 04 November 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20150204/Movement-tracking-device-can-effectively-help-assess-progression-of-Parkinsons-disease.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    APDM Wearable Technologies. "Movement tracking device can effectively help assess progression of Parkinson's disease". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20150204/Movement-tracking-device-can-effectively-help-assess-progression-of-Parkinsons-disease.aspx. (accessed November 04, 2024).

  • Harvard

    APDM Wearable Technologies. 2019. Movement tracking device can effectively help assess progression of Parkinson's disease. News-Medical, viewed 04 November 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20150204/Movement-tracking-device-can-effectively-help-assess-progression-of-Parkinsons-disease.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.