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Roth N, Salih A, Rosenblum S. Subjective and Objective Day-to-Day Performance Measures of People with Essential Tremor. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:4854. [PMID: 39123901 PMCID: PMC11315051 DOI: 10.3390/s24154854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
This paper aims to map the daily functional characteristics of people diagnosed with essential tremor (ET) based on their subjective self-reports. In addition, we provide objective measurements of a cup-drinking task. This study involved 20 participants diagnosed with ET who completed the Columbia University Assessment of Disability in Essential Tremor (CADET) questionnaire that included five additional tasks related to digital equipment operation we wrote. Participants also described task-performance modifications they implemented. To create objective personal performance profiles, they performed a cup-drinking task while being monitored using a sensor measurement system. The CADET's subjective self-report results indicate that the most prevalent tasks participants reported as having difficulty with or requiring modifications were writing, threading a needle, carrying a cup, using a spoon, pouring, and taking a photo or video on a mobile phone. Analysis of participants' modifications revealed that holding the object with two hands or with one hand supporting the other were the most prevalent types. No significant correlation was found between the CADET total scores and the cup drinking objective measures. Capturing patients' perspectives on their functional disability, alongside objective performance measures, is envisioned to contribute to the development of custom-tailored interventions aligned with individual profiles, i.e., patient-based/smart healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navit Roth
- The Laboratory of Complex Human Activity and Participation (CHAP), Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Braude College of Engineering, Karmiel 2161002, Israel;
| | - Adham Salih
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Braude College of Engineering, Karmiel 2161002, Israel;
| | - Sara Rosenblum
- The Laboratory of Complex Human Activity and Participation (CHAP), Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
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Yacoubi B, Christou EA. Motor Output Variability in Movement Disorders: Insights From Essential Tremor. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2024; 52:95-101. [PMID: 38445865 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Findings on individuals with essential tremor suggest that tremor (within-trial movement unsteadiness) and inconsistency (trial-to-trial movement variance) stem from distinct pathologies and affect function uniquely. Nonetheless, the intricacies of inconsistency in movement disorders remain largely unexplored, as exemplified in ataxia where inconsistency below healthy levels is associated with greater pathology. We advocate for clinical assessments that quantify both tremor and inconsistency.
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Hernandez AB, Berry DS, Grill N, Hall TM, Burkes A, Ghanem A, Sharma VD, Louis ED. WHIGET and TETRAS Ratings of Action Tremor in Patients with Essential Tremor: Substantial Association and Agreement. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2024; 14:14. [PMID: 38550904 PMCID: PMC10976980 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Evaluating tremor severity is a critical component of diagnosing and clinically managing patients with essential tremor (ET). We examined the comparability of tremor severity ratings derived from two frequently used tremor rating scales: the Washington Heights-Inwood Genetic Study of Essential Tremor (WHIGET) rating scale and the Tremor Research Group Essential Tremor Rating Scale (TETRAS). Methods A trained assistant administered and videotaped a neurological examination, including eight items assessing upper limb action tremor (arms outstretched, arms in the wingbeat position, finger-nose-finger maneuver, and drawing of Archimedes spirals). An experienced movement disorders neurologist reviewed the videos and assigned WHIGET and TETRAS ratings. We calculated associations between TETRAS and WHIGET ratings using Spearman rank order correlations. Subsequently, we collapsed these ratings into four tremor severity categories (absent, mild, moderate, severe) and then two broader tremor severity categories (absent/mild, moderate/severe). We calculated weighted Kappa coefficients to assess agreement between category assignments based on the TETRAS and the WHIGET. Results Spearman's r' s were significant for all items (p's ≤ 0.001, mean r = 0.89). Weighted Kappa's revealed substantial to near perfect agreement for all eight items (mean k = 0.86, range = 0.64 to 1.00). Conclusion Analyses revealed substantial strength of association and substantial to near perfect agreement between items rated with the WHIGET and TETRAS scales. These data indicated that ratings provided by each scale are highly comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diane S. Berry
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Natalie Grill
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Talía M. Hall
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Allison Burkes
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ali Ghanem
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Vibhash D. Sharma
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Elan D. Louis
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Paredes-Acuna N, Utpadel-Fischler D, Ding K, Thakor NV, Cheng G. Upper limb intention tremor assessment: opportunities and challenges in wearable technology. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2024; 21:8. [PMID: 38218890 PMCID: PMC10787996 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01302-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tremors are involuntary rhythmic movements commonly present in neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and multiple sclerosis. Intention tremor is a subtype associated with lesions in the cerebellum and its connected pathways, and it is a common symptom in diseases associated with cerebellar pathology. While clinicians traditionally use tests to identify tremor type and severity, recent advancements in wearable technology have provided quantifiable ways to measure movement and tremor using motion capture systems, app-based tasks and tools, and physiology-based measurements. However, quantifying intention tremor remains challenging due to its changing nature. METHODOLOGY & RESULTS This review examines the current state of upper limb tremor assessment technology and discusses potential directions to further develop new and existing algorithms and sensors to better quantify tremor, specifically intention tremor. A comprehensive search using PubMed and Scopus was performed using keywords related to technologies for tremor assessment. Afterward, screened results were filtered for relevance and eligibility and further classified into technology type. A total of 243 publications were selected for this review and classified according to their type: body function level: movement-based, activity level: task and tool-based, and physiology-based. Furthermore, each publication's methods, purpose, and technology are summarized in the appendix table. CONCLUSIONS Our survey suggests a need for more targeted tasks to evaluate intention tremors, including digitized tasks related to intentional movements, neurological and physiological measurements targeting the cerebellum and its pathways, and signal processing techniques that differentiate voluntary from involuntary movement in motion capture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Paredes-Acuna
- Institute for Cognitive Systems, Technical University of Munich, Arcisstraße 21, 80333, Munich, Germany.
| | - Daniel Utpadel-Fischler
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Keqin Ding
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nitish V Thakor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gordon Cheng
- Institute for Cognitive Systems, Technical University of Munich, Arcisstraße 21, 80333, Munich, Germany
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Dai D, Fernandes J, Kim H, Coetzer H. Comparative Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Afferent Patterned Stimulation Therapy for Essential Tremor: A Randomized Pragmatic Clinical Trial. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2023; 13:38. [PMID: 37869579 PMCID: PMC10588491 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transcutaneous afferent patterned stimulation (TAPS) is a wrist-worn, non-invasive therapy delivering calibrated stimulation to the median and radial nerves. Previous randomized controlled studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of TAPS therapy in some patients with essential tremor (ET), but evidence supporting therapeutic benefits of TAPS versus standard of care (SOC) is lacking. This randomized prospective study evaluated the clinical benefit of adding TAPS treatment to SOC versus SOC alone. Methods This randomized pragmatic trial recruited patients from a large health plan's Commercially Insured and Medicare Advantage population. All 310 patients received a TAPS device and were randomized 1:1 to either one month adding TAPS therapy to usual care (TX arm) or usual care with tremor assessment only (SOC arm). The pre-specified endpoints were changes in tremor power measured by motion sensors on the device (primary) and improvement in Bain & Findley Activities of Daily Living (BF-ADL) upper limb scores (secondary) between TX and SOC in all patients who completed the one-month study. Results 276 patients completed the one-month study (N = 133 TX, N = 143 SOC). The study met the primary and secondary endpoints, with significantly reduced tremor power in TX compared with SOC (0.017 (0.003) versus 0.08 (0.014) (m/s2)2; geometric mean (SE); p < 0.0001) and greater improvement in the BF-ADL score in TX than SOC (1.6 (0.43) vs 0.2 (0.37) points; mean (SE); p < 0.05). No serious device-related adverse events were reported. Discussion This trial demonstrates that adding TAPS treatment to SOC significantly improves tremor power and BF-ADLs in patients with ET compared to SOC alone over one month of home use. Highlights This study found that adding TAPS treatment to SOC significantly improves tremor power and BF-ADL scores in patients with ET compared to SOC alone over one month of home use. This real-world evidence study suggests that non-invasive TAPS therapy is a safe and valuable treatment option for patients with ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingwei Dai
- CVS Health Clinical Trial Services LLC, Woonsocket, RI, USA
| | | | - Han Kim
- Cala Health, Inc., San Mateo, CA, USA
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Vescio B, De Maria M, Crasà M, Nisticò R, Calomino C, Aracri F, Quattrone A, Quattrone A. Development of a New Wearable Device for the Characterization of Hand Tremor. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1025. [PMID: 37760127 PMCID: PMC10525186 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10091025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rest tremor (RT) is observed in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) and Essential Tremor (ET). Electromyography (EMG) studies have shown that PD subjects exhibit alternating contractions of antagonistic muscles involved in tremors, while the contraction pattern of antagonistic muscles is synchronous in ET subjects. Therefore, the RT pattern can be used as a potential biomarker for differentiating PD from ET subjects. In this study, we developed a new wearable device and method for differentiating alternating from a synchronous RT pattern using inertial data. The novelty of our approach relies on the fact that the evaluation of synchronous or alternating tremor patterns using inertial sensors has never been described so far, and current approaches to evaluate the tremor patterns are based on surface EMG, which may be difficult to carry out for non-specialized operators. This new device, named "RT-Ring", is based on a six-axis inertial measurement unit and a Bluetooth Low-Energy microprocessor, and can be worn on a finger of the tremulous hand. A mobile app guides the operator through the whole acquisition process of inertial data from the hand with RT, and the prediction of tremor patterns is performed on a remote server through machine learning (ML) models. We used two decision tree-based algorithms, XGBoost and Random Forest, which were trained on features extracted from inertial data and achieved a classification accuracy of 92% and 89%, respectively, in differentiating alternating from synchronous tremor segments in the validation set. Finally, the classification response (alternating or synchronous RT pattern) is shown to the operator on the mobile app within a few seconds. This study is the first to demonstrate that different electromyographic tremor patterns have their counterparts in terms of rhythmic movement features, thus making inertial data suitable for predicting the muscular contraction pattern of tremors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basilio Vescio
- Biotecnomed S.C.aR.L., Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Marida De Maria
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (C.C.); (F.A.); (A.Q.)
| | - Marianna Crasà
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (C.C.); (F.A.); (A.Q.)
| | - Rita Nisticò
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (C.C.); (F.A.); (A.Q.)
| | - Camilla Calomino
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (C.C.); (F.A.); (A.Q.)
| | - Federica Aracri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (C.C.); (F.A.); (A.Q.)
| | - Aldo Quattrone
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.C.); (R.N.); (C.C.); (F.A.); (A.Q.)
| | - Andrea Quattrone
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Kilinc B, Cetisli-Korkmaz N, Bir LS, Marangoz AD, Senol H. The quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's Disease: is it related to functionality and tremor severity? A cross-sectional study. Physiother Theory Pract 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37515776 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2236691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptoms seen in Parkinson's Disease (PD) affect the quality of life (QoL) of individuals. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the relationship of QoL with tremor severity and upper limb functionality in individuals with PD. METHODS Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQ-39) was used to examine the QoL of the participants, electromyography was used to measure the tremor amplitude, Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) was used to evaluate the upper limb functionality and dynamometer was used to evaluate grip and pinch strength. Resting and postural tremor amplitudes were recorded from both sides of the hand and forearm. The relationship between QoL and other parameters was tested with Spearman Correlation Analysis. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare individuals with and without tremor. RESULTS It was obtained that tremor amplitude was significantly related to: activities of daily living (rho = 0.597); emotional well-being (rho = 0.694); stigma (rho = 0.524); social support (rho = 0.595 and 0.559), and communication [rho = 0.532 (right forearm), 0.564 (left forearm), and 0.527 (right hand)] sub-parameters of PDQ-39 (p < .05). The relationship of the grip and pinch strength with the PDQ-39 sub-parameters was significant (p < .05), except for social support and communication. The relationship between NHPT and almost all parameters of PDQ-39 (p < .05), except bodily discomfort and social support, was significant. CONCLUSION It was concluded that future studies focusing on QoL could also consider tremor severity and grip strength as well as dexterity in individuals with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buse Kilinc
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Türkiye
| | | | - Levent Sinan Bir
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Dogucem Marangoz
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hande Senol
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Türkiye
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Vanmechelen I, Haberfehlner H, De Vleeschhauwer J, Van Wonterghem E, Feys H, Desloovere K, Aerts JM, Monbaliu E. Assessment of movement disorders using wearable sensors during upper limb tasks: A scoping review. Front Robot AI 2023; 9:1068413. [PMID: 36714804 PMCID: PMC9879015 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2022.1068413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies aiming to objectively quantify movement disorders during upper limb tasks using wearable sensors have recently increased, but there is a wide variety in described measurement and analyzing methods, hampering standardization of methods in research and clinics. Therefore, the primary objective of this review was to provide an overview of sensor set-up and type, included tasks, sensor features and methods used to quantify movement disorders during upper limb tasks in multiple pathological populations. The secondary objective was to identify the most sensitive sensor features for the detection and quantification of movement disorders on the one hand and to describe the clinical application of the proposed methods on the other hand. Methods: A literature search using Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed was performed. Articles needed to meet following criteria: 1) participants were adults/children with a neurological disease, 2) (at least) one sensor was placed on the upper limb for evaluation of movement disorders during upper limb tasks, 3) comparisons between: groups with/without movement disorders, sensor features before/after intervention, or sensor features with a clinical scale for assessment of the movement disorder. 4) Outcome measures included sensor features from acceleration/angular velocity signals. Results: A total of 101 articles were included, of which 56 researched Parkinson's Disease. Wrist(s), hand(s) and index finger(s) were the most popular sensor locations. Most frequent tasks were: finger tapping, wrist pro/supination, keeping the arms extended in front of the body and finger-to-nose. Most frequently calculated sensor features were mean, standard deviation, root-mean-square, ranges, skewness, kurtosis/entropy of acceleration and/or angular velocity, in combination with dominant frequencies/power of acceleration signals. Examples of clinical applications were automatization of a clinical scale or discrimination between a patient/control group or different patient groups. Conclusion: Current overview can support clinicians and researchers in selecting the most sensitive pathology-dependent sensor features and methodologies for detection and quantification of upper limb movement disorders and objective evaluations of treatment effects. Insights from Parkinson's Disease studies can accelerate the development of wearable sensors protocols in the remaining pathologies, provided that there is sufficient attention for the standardisation of protocols, tasks, feasibility and data analysis methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inti Vanmechelen
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation (eNRGy), KU Leuven Bruges, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Bruges, Belgium,*Correspondence: Inti Vanmechelen,
| | - Helga Haberfehlner
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation (eNRGy), KU Leuven Bruges, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Bruges, Belgium,Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joni De Vleeschhauwer
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation (eNRGy), KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Van Wonterghem
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation (eNRGy), KU Leuven Bruges, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Hilde Feys
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation (eNRGy), KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation (eNRGy), KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Pellenberg, Belgium
| | - Jean-Marie Aerts
- Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, KU Leuven, Department of Biosystems, Measure, Model and Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elegast Monbaliu
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation (eNRGy), KU Leuven Bruges, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Bruges, Belgium
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Pascual-Valdunciel A, Rajagopal A, Pons JL, Delp S. Non-invasive electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves for the management of tremor. J Neurol Sci 2022; 435:120195. [PMID: 35220113 PMCID: PMC9590374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pathological tremor in patients with essential tremor and Parkinsons disease is typically treated using medication or neurosurgical interventions. There is a widely recognized need for new treatments that avoid the side effects of current medications and do not carry the risks of surgical interventions. Building on decades of research and engineering development, non-invasive electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves has emerged as a safe and effective strategy for reducing pathologic tremor in essential tremor. This review surveys the peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) literature and summarizes effectiveness, safety, clinical translatability, and hypothesized tremor-reduction mechanisms of various PES approaches. The review also proposes guidelines for assessing tremor in the context of evaluating new therapies that combine the strengths of clinician assessments, patient evaluations, and novel motion sensing technology. The review concludes with a summary of future directions for PES, including expanding clinical access for patients with Parkinson's disease and leveraging large, at-home datasets to learn more about tremor physiology and treatment effect that will better characterize the state of tremor management and accelerate discovery of new therapies. Growing evidence suggests that non-invasive electrical stimulation of afferent neural pathways provides a viable new option for management of pathological tremor, with one specific PES therapy cleared for prescription and home use, suggesting that PES be considered along with medication and neurosurgical interventions for treatment of tremor. This article is part of the Special Issue "Tremor" edited by Daniel D. Truong, Mark Hallett, and Aasef Shaikh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Pascual-Valdunciel
- Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; E.T.S. Ingenieros de Telecomunicación, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jose L Pons
- Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Martín-Ávila G, Vieira-Campos A, Labrador-Marcos S, Zheng X, Burgos AM, Thuissard I, Andreu-Vázquez C, Ordieres-Meré J, Aladro Y. Patients' self-assessment of essential tremor severity by a validated scale: A useful tool in telemedicine? Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2022; 96:22-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2022.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kim J, Wichmann T, Inan OT, DeWeerth SP. Fitts Law-Based Performance Metrics to Quantify Tremor in Individuals with Essential Tremor. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2021; 26:2169-2179. [PMID: 34851839 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2021.3129989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Current methods of evaluating essential tremor (ET) either rely on subjective ratings or use limited tremor metrics (i.e., severity/amplitude and frequency). In this study, we explored performance metrics from Fitts law tasks that replicate and expand existing tremor metrics, to enable low-cost, home-based tremor quantification and analyze the cursor movements of individuals using a 3D mouse while performing a collection of drawing tasks. We analyzed the 3D mouse cursor movements of 11 patients with ET and three controls, on three computer-based tasksa spiral navigation (SPN) task, a rectangular track navigation (RTN) task, and multi-directional tapping/clicking (MDT)with several performance metrics (i.e., outside area (OA), throughput (TP in Fitts law), path efficiency (PE), and completion time (CT)). Using an accelerometer and scores from the Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS), we correlated the proposed performance metrics with the baseline tremor metrics and found that the OA of the SPN and RTN tasks were strongly correlated with baseline tremor severity (R2=0.57 and R2=0.83). We also found that the TP in the MDT tasks were strongly correlated with tremor frequency (R2=0.70). In addition, as the OA of the SPN and RTN tasks was correlated with tremor severity and frequency, it may represent an independent metric that increases the dimensionality of the characterization of an individuals tremor. Thus, this pilot study of the analysis of those with ET-associated tremor performing Fitts law tasks demonstrates the feasibility of introducing a new tremor metric that can be expanded for repeatable multi-dimensional data analyses.
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Roth N, Rosenblum S. Does Cup-Grip Type Affect Tremor among People with Essential Tremor? SENSORS 2021; 21:s21237797. [PMID: 34883799 PMCID: PMC8659972 DOI: 10.3390/s21237797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Essential tremor (ET) is a movement disorder that may cause functional disability in daily activities, such as drinking from a cup or drawing. This study aims to characterize effects of varied cup-grip types and measured axes on the actual performance of people with ET and find correlations between cup-grip type and measured axes, and spiral drawing measures. Participants (20 with ET and 18 controls) held a cup of water in a steady position in three grip types and drew a spiral. The cup acceleration was measured by the cup triaxial accelerometer, analyzed in X, Y and Z axes (directions); deviation of the measured acceleration from the desired steady position acceleration was computed. Significant group differences were found for outcome measures in all grip types. Among participants with ET, significantly higher measured values were found in the cup’s horizontal plane (X and Y axes) compared to the vertical direction (Z axis) and for on-the-handle versus around-the-cup grips in the X and Y axes. Significant correlations were found between this grip’s measures and spiral-drawing actual performance measures, indicating the measurement axis and grip type may affect actual performance. These findings may support the future development of assistive devices for tremor suppression and personalized supportive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navit Roth
- The Laboratory of Complex Human Activity and Participation (CHAP), Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, ORT Braude Academic College of Engineering, Karmiel 2161002, Israel
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara Rosenblum
- The Laboratory of Complex Human Activity and Participation (CHAP), Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
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Lora-Millan JS, Delgado-Oleas G, Benito-León J, Rocon E. A Review on Wearable Technologies for Tremor Suppression. Front Neurol 2021; 12:700600. [PMID: 34434161 PMCID: PMC8380769 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.700600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tremor is defined as a rhythmic, involuntary oscillatory movement of a body part. Although everyone exhibits a certain degree of tremor, some pathologies lead to very disabling tremors. These pathological tremors constitute the most prevalent movement disorder, and they imply severe difficulties in performing activities of daily living. Although tremors are currently managed through pharmacotherapy or surgery, these treatments present significant associated drawbacks: drugs often induce side effects and show decreased effectiveness over years of use, while surgery is a hazardous procedure for a very low percentage of eligible patients. In this context, recent research demonstrated the feasibility of managing upper limb tremors through wearable technologies that suppress tremors by modifying limb biomechanics or applying counteracting forces. Furthermore, recent experiments with transcutaneous afferent stimulation showed significant tremor attenuation. In this regard, this article reviews the devices developed following these tremor management paradigms, such as robotic exoskeletons, soft robotic exoskeletons, and transcutaneous neurostimulators. These works are presented, and their effectiveness is discussed. The article also evaluates the different metrics used for the validation of these devices and the lack of a standard validation procedure that allows the comparison among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio S. Lora-Millan
- Centro de Automática y Robótica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Delgado-Oleas
- Centro de Automática y Robótica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ingeniería Electrónica, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Julián Benito-León
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Rocon
- Centro de Automática y Robótica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Vescio B, Quattrone A, Nisticò R, Crasà M, Quattrone A. Wearable Devices for Assessment of Tremor. Front Neurol 2021; 12:680011. [PMID: 34177785 PMCID: PMC8226078 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.680011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tremor is an impairing symptom associated with several neurological diseases. Some of such diseases are neurodegenerative, and tremor characterization may be of help in differential diagnosis. To date, electromyography (EMG) is the gold standard for the analysis and diagnosis of tremors. In the last decade, however, several studies have been conducted for the validation of different techniques and new, non-invasive, portable, or even wearable devices have been recently proposed as complementary tools to EMG for a better characterization of tremors. Such devices have proven to be useful for monitoring the efficacy of therapies or even aiding in differential diagnosis. The aim of this review is to present systematically such new solutions, trying to highlight their potentialities and limitations, with a hint to future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Quattrone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Neurology, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Nisticò
- Neuroimaging Unit, Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology of the National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marianna Crasà
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Aldo Quattrone
- Neuroimaging Unit, Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology of the National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
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Nguyen HS, Luu TP. Tremor-Suppression Orthoses for the Upper Limb: Current Developments and Future Challenges. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:622535. [PMID: 33994975 PMCID: PMC8119649 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.622535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pathological tremor is the most common motor disorder in adults and characterized by involuntary, rhythmic muscular contraction leading to shaking movements in one or more parts of the body. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and biomechanical loading using wearable orthoses have emerged as effective and non-invasive methods for tremor suppression. A variety of upper-limb orthoses for tremor suppression have been introduced; however, a systematic review of the mechanical design, algorithms for tremor extraction, and the experimental design is still missing. Methods: To address this gap, we applied a standard systematic review methodology to conduct a literature search in the PubMed and PMC databases. Inclusion criteria and full-text access eligibility were used to filter the studies from the search results. Subsequently, we extracted relevant information, such as suppression mechanism, system weights, degrees of freedom (DOF), algorithms for tremor estimation, experimental settings, and the efficacy. Results: The results show that the majority of tremor-suppression orthoses are active with 47% prevalence. Active orthoses are also the heaviest with an average weight of 561 ± 467 g, followed by semi-active 486 ± 395 g, and passive orthoses 191 ± 137 g. Most of the orthoses only support one DOF (54.5%). Two-DOF and three-DOF orthoses account for 33 and 18%, respectively. The average efficacy of tremor suppression using wearable orthoses is 83 ± 13%. Active orthoses are the most efficient with an average efficacy of 83 ± 8%, following by the semi-active 77 ± 19%, and passive orthoses 75 ± 12%. Among different experimental setups, bench testing shows the highest efficacy at 95 ± 5%, this value dropped to 86 ± 8% when evaluating with tremor-affected subjects. The majority of the orthoses (92%) measured voluntary and/or tremorous motions using biomechanical sensors (e.g., IMU, force sensor). Only one system was found to utilize EMG for tremor extraction. Conclusions: Our review showed an improvement in efficacy of using robotic orthoses in tremor suppression. However, significant challenges for the translations of these systems into clinical or home use remain unsolved. Future challenges include improving the wearability of the orthoses (e.g., lightweight, aesthetic, and soft structure), and user control interfaces (i.e., neural machine interface). We also suggest addressing non-technical challenges (e.g., regulatory compliance, insurance reimbursement) to make the technology more accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoai Son Nguyen
- Group of Advanced Computations in Engineering Science, HCMC University of Technology and Education, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Trieu Phat Luu
- Noninvasive Brain-Machine Interface System Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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16
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Teufl S, Preston J, van Wijck F, Stansfield B. Quantifying upper limb tremor in people with multiple sclerosis using Fast Fourier Transform based analysis of wrist accelerometer signals. J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2021; 8:2055668320966955. [PMID: 33614109 PMCID: PMC7869147 DOI: 10.1177/2055668320966955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tremor is a disabling symptom of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The development of objective methods of tremor characterisation to assess intervention efficacy and disease progression is therefore important. The possibility of using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method for tremor detection was explored. Methods Acceleration from a wrist-worn device was analysed using FFTs to identify and characterise tremor magnitude and frequency. Processing parameters were explored to provide insight into the optimal algorithm. Participants wore a wrist tri-axial accelerometer during 9 tasks. The FAHN clinical assessment of tremor was used as the reference standard. Results Five people with MS and tremor (57.6 ± 15.3 years, 3 F/2M) and ten disease-free controls (42.4 ± 10.9 years, 5 M/5F) took part. Using specific algorithm settings tremor identification was possible (peak frequency 3–15Hz; magnitude greater than 0.06 g; 2 s windows with 50% overlap; using 2 of 3 axes of acceleration), giving sensitivity 0.974 and specificity 0.971 (38 tremor occurrences out of 108 tasks, 1 false positive, 2 false negatives). Tremor had frequency 3.5–13.0 Hz and amplitude 0.07–2.60g. Conclusions Upper limb tremor in people with MS can be detected using a FFT approach based on acceleration recorded at the wrist, demonstrating the possibility of using this minimally encumbering technique within clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Teufl
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
| | - Jenny Preston
- Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Centre, Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine, UK
| | | | - Ben Stansfield
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
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Mcgurrin P, Mcnames J, Wu T, Hallett M, Haubenberger D. Quantifying Tremor in Essential Tremor Using Inertial Sensors-Validation of an Algorithm. IEEE JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE 2020; 9:2700110. [PMID: 33150096 PMCID: PMC7608862 DOI: 10.1109/jtehm.2020.3032924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Assessment of essential tremor is often done by a trained clinician who observes the limbs during different postures and actions and subsequently rates the tremor. While this method has been shown to be reliable, the inter- and intra-rater reliability and need for training can make the use of this method for symptom progression difficult. Many limitations of clinical rating scales can potentially be overcome by using inertial sensors, but to date many algorithms designed to quantify tremor have key limitations. Methods We propose a novel algorithm to characterize tremor using inertial sensors. It uses a two-stage approach that 1) estimates the tremor frequency of a subject and only quantifies tremor near that range; 2) estimates the tremor amplitude as the portion of signal power above baseline activity during recording, allowing tremor estimation even in the presence of other activity; and 3) estimates tremor amplitude in physical units of translation (cm) and rotation (°), consistent with current tremor rating scales. We validated the algorithm technically using a robotic arm and clinically by comparing algorithm output with data reported by a trained clinician administering a tremor rating scale to a cohort of essential tremor patients. Results Technical validation demonstrated rotational amplitude accuracy better than ±0.2 degrees and position amplitude accuracy better than ±0.1 cm. Clinical validation revealed that both rotation and position components were significantly correlated with tremor rating scale scores. Conclusion We demonstrate that our algorithm can quantify tremor accurately even in the presence of other activities, perhaps providing a step forward for at-home monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Mcgurrin
- National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD20892USA
| | - James Mcnames
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringPortland State UniversityPortlandOR97201USA
| | - Tianxia Wu
- Office of the Clinical DirectorNational Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD20892USA
| | - Mark Hallett
- National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD20892USA
| | - Dietrich Haubenberger
- Office of the Clinical DirectorNational Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD20892USA
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18
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San-Segundo R, Zhang A, Cebulla A, Panev S, Tabor G, Stebbins K, Massa RE, Whitford A, de la Torre F, Hodgins J. Parkinson's Disease Tremor Detection in the Wild Using Wearable Accelerometers. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E5817. [PMID: 33066691 PMCID: PMC7602495 DOI: 10.3390/s20205817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Continuous in-home monitoring of Parkinson's Disease (PD) symptoms might allow improvements in assessment of disease progression and treatment effects. As a first step towards this goal, we evaluate the feasibility of a wrist-worn wearable accelerometer system to detect PD tremor in the wild (uncontrolled scenarios). We evaluate the performance of several feature sets and classification algorithms for robust PD tremor detection in laboratory and wild settings. We report results for both laboratory data with accurate labels and wild data with weak labels. The best performance was obtained using a combination of a pre-processing module to extract information from the tremor spectrum (based on non-negative factorization) and a deep neural network for learning relevant features and detecting tremor segments. We show how the proposed method is able to predict patient self-report measures, and we propose a new metric for monitoring PD tremor (i.e., percentage of tremor over long periods of time), which may be easier to estimate the start and end time points of each tremor event while still providing clinically useful information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén San-Segundo
- Center for Information Processing and Telecommunications, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ada Zhang
- Human Sensing Laboratory, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (A.Z.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (K.S.); (A.W.); (F.d.l.T.); (J.H.)
| | - Alexander Cebulla
- Human Sensing Laboratory, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (A.Z.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (K.S.); (A.W.); (F.d.l.T.); (J.H.)
| | - Stanislav Panev
- Human Sensing Laboratory, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (A.Z.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (K.S.); (A.W.); (F.d.l.T.); (J.H.)
| | - Griffin Tabor
- Human Sensing Laboratory, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (A.Z.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (K.S.); (A.W.); (F.d.l.T.); (J.H.)
| | - Katelyn Stebbins
- Human Sensing Laboratory, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (A.Z.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (K.S.); (A.W.); (F.d.l.T.); (J.H.)
| | | | - Andrew Whitford
- Human Sensing Laboratory, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (A.Z.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (K.S.); (A.W.); (F.d.l.T.); (J.H.)
| | - Fernando de la Torre
- Human Sensing Laboratory, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (A.Z.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (K.S.); (A.W.); (F.d.l.T.); (J.H.)
| | - Jessica Hodgins
- Human Sensing Laboratory, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (A.Z.); (A.C.); (S.P.); (G.T.); (K.S.); (A.W.); (F.d.l.T.); (J.H.)
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19
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Evaluation of Wearable Sensor Devices in Parkinson's Disease: A Review of Current Status and Future Prospects. PARKINSONS DISEASE 2020; 2020:4693019. [PMID: 33029343 PMCID: PMC7530475 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4693019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) decreases the quality of life of the affected individuals. The incidence of PD is expected to increase given the growing aging population. Motor symptoms associated with PD render the patients unable to self-care and function properly. Given that several drugs have been developed to control motor symptoms, highly sensitive scales for clinical evaluation of drug efficacy are needed. Among such scales, the objective and continuous evaluation of wearable devices is increasingly utilized by clinicians and patients. Several electronic technologies have revolutionized the clinical monitoring of PD development, especially its motor symptoms. Here, we review and discuss the recent advances in the development of wearable devices for bradykinesia, tremor, gait, and myotonia. Our aim is to capture the experiences of patients and clinicians, as well as expand our understanding on the application of wearable technology. In so-doing, we lay the foundation for further research into the use of wearable technology in the management of PD.
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20
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Isaacson SH, Peckham E, Tse W, Waln O, Way C, Petrossian MT, Dahodwala N, Soileau MJ, Lew M, Dietiker C, Luthra N, Agarwal P, Dhall R, Morgan J, Calakos N, Zesiewicz TA, Shamim EA, Kumar R, LeWitt P, Shill HA, Simmons A, Pagan FL, Khemani P, Tate J, Maddux B, Luo L, Ondo W, Hallett M, Rajagopal A, Chidester P, Rosenbluth KH, Delp SL, Pahwa R. Prospective Home-use Study on Non-invasive Neuromodulation Therapy for Essential Tremor. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2020; 10:29. [PMID: 32864188 PMCID: PMC7427656 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Highlights This prospective study is one of the largest clinical trials in essential tremor to date. Study findings suggest that individualized non-invasive neuromodulation therapy used repeatedly at home over three months results in safe and effective hand tremor reduction and improves quality of life for many essential tremor patients. Background Two previous randomized, controlled, single-session trials demonstrated efficacy of non-invasive neuromodulation therapy targeting the median and radial nerves for reducing hand tremor. This current study evaluated efficacy and safety of the therapy over three months of repeated home use. Methods This was a prospective, open-label, post-clearance, single-arm study with 263 patients enrolled across 26 sites. Patients were instructed to use the therapy twice daily for three months. Pre-specified co-primary endpoints were improvements on clinician-rated Tremor Research Group Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS) and patient-rated Bain & Findley Activities of Daily Living (BF-ADL) dominant hand scores. Other endpoints included improvement in the tremor power detected by an accelerometer on the therapeutic device, Clinical and Patient Global Impression scores (CGI-I, PGI-I), and Quality of Life in Essential Tremor (QUEST) survey. Results 205 patients completed the study. The co-primary endpoints were met (p≪0.0001), with 62% (TETRAS) and 68% (BF-ADL) of 'severe' or 'moderate' patients improving to 'mild' or 'slight'. Clinicians (CGI-I) reported improvement in 68% of patients, 60% (PGI-I) of patients reported improvement, and QUEST improved (p = 0.0019). Wrist-worn accelerometer recordings before and after 21,806 therapy sessions showed that 92% of patients improved, and 54% of patients experienced ≥50% improvement in tremor power. Device-related adverse events (e.g., wrist discomfort, skin irritation, pain) occurred in 18% of patients. No device-related serious adverse events were reported. Discussion This study suggests that non-invasive neuromodulation therapy used repeatedly at home over three months results in safe and effective hand tremor reduction in many essential tremor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart H. Isaacson
- Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders of Boca Raton, Boca Raton, FL, US
| | | | - Winona Tse
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Department of Neurology, New York, NY, US
| | - Olga Waln
- Houston Methodist, Department of Neurology, Houston, TX, US
| | - Christopher Way
- Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center, Mountain View, CA, US
| | - Melita T. Petrossian
- Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Pacific Movement Disorders Center, Santa Monica, CA, US
| | - Nabila Dahodwala
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Neurology, Philadelphia, PA, US
| | | | - Mark Lew
- University of Southern California, Department of Neurology, Los Angeles, CA, US
| | - Cameron Dietiker
- University of California San Francisco, Movement Disorder and Neuromodulation Center, San Francisco, CA, US
| | - Nijee Luthra
- University of California San Francisco, Movement Disorder and Neuromodulation Center, San Francisco, CA, US
| | - Pinky Agarwal
- EvergreenHealth, Department of Neurology, Kirkland, WA, US
| | - Rohit Dhall
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Neurology, Little Rock, AR, US
| | - John Morgan
- Augusta University, Department of Neurology, Augusta, GA, US
| | - Nicole Calakos
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Durham, NC, US
| | | | - Ejaz A. Shamim
- Kaiser Permanente MidAtlantic States, Department of Neurology, MidAtlantic Permanente Research Institute, Largo, MD, US
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Rocky Mountain Movement Disorders Center, Englewood, CO, US
| | - Peter LeWitt
- Henry Ford Health System, Department of Neurology, West Bloomfield, MI, US
| | - Holly A. Shill
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology, Phoenix, AZ, US
| | - Adam Simmons
- Hospital for Special Care, Department of Research, New Britain, CT, US
| | - Fernando L. Pagan
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Washington DC, US
| | - Pravin Khemani
- Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neurology, Seattle, WA, US
| | - Jessica Tate
- Wake Forest Baptist Health, Department of Neurology, Winston-Salem, NC, US
| | | | - Lan Luo
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, US
| | - William Ondo
- Houston Methodist, Department of Neurology, Houston, TX, US
| | - Mark Hallett
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Human Motor Control Section, Bethesda, MD, US
| | | | | | | | - Scott L. Delp
- Stanford University, Department of Bioengineering, Stanford, CA, US
| | - Rajesh Pahwa
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Kansas City, KS, US
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Zajki-Zechmeister T, Kögl M, Kalsberger K, Franthal S, Homayoon N, Katschnig-Winter P, Wenzel K, Zajki-Zechmeister L, Schwingenschuh P. Quantification of tremor severity with a mobile tremor pen. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04702. [PMID: 32904326 PMCID: PMC7452531 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An objective evaluation of tremor severity is necessary to document the course of disease, the efficacy of treatment, or interventions in clinical trials. Most available objective quantification devices are complex, immobile, or not validated. NEW METHOD We used the TREMITAS-System that comprises a pen-shaped sensor for tremor quantification. The Power of Main Peak and the Total Power were used as surrogate markers for tremor amplitude. Tremor severity was assessed by the TREMITAS-System and relevant subscores of the MDS-UPDRS and TETRAS rating scales in 14 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 16 patients with Essential tremor (ET) off and on therapy. We compared tremor amplitudes assessed during wearable and hand-held constellations. RESULTS We found significant correlations between tremor amplitudes captured by TREM and tremor severity assessed by the MDS-UPDRS in PD (r = 0.638-0.779) and the TETRAS in ET (r = 0.597-0. 704) off and on therapy. The TREMITAS-System captured the L-Dopa-induced improvement of tremor in PD patients (p = 0.027). Tremor amplitudes did not differ between the handheld and wearable constellation (p > 0.05). COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS We confirm the results of previous studies using inertial based sensors that tremor severity and drug-induced changes of tremor severity can be quantified using inertial based sensors. The assessment of tremor amplitudes was not influenced by using a handheld or wearable constellation. CONCLUSIONS The TREMITAS-System can be used to quantify rest tremor in PD and postural tremor in ET and is capable of detecting clinically relevant changes in tremor in clinical and research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariella Kögl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 22, Graz, 8036, Austria
| | - Kerstin Kalsberger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 22, Graz, 8036, Austria
| | - Sebastian Franthal
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 22, Graz, 8036, Austria
| | - Nina Homayoon
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 22, Graz, 8036, Austria
| | - Petra Katschnig-Winter
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 22, Graz, 8036, Austria
| | - Karoline Wenzel
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 22, Graz, 8036, Austria
| | | | - Petra Schwingenschuh
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 22, Graz, 8036, Austria
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Waerling RD, Kjaer TW. A systematic review of impairment focussed technology in neurology. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2020; 17:234-247. [DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2020.1776776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Troels Wesenberg Kjaer
- University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
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23
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Cavalcanti A, Amaral MF, Silva E Dutra FCM, Santos AVF, Licursi LA, Silveira ZC. Adaptive Eating Device: Performance and Satisfaction of a Person with Parkinson's Disease. The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2020; 87:211-220. [PMID: 32410462 DOI: 10.1177/0008417420925995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) can experience motor impairments related to their hand-use that restrict participation in daily activities. Feeding is one activity impacted by this health condition. The use of adapted utensils can improve performance and independence in this activity. PURPOSE. To investigate if a locally designed and made eating-adaptive device helps a person with PD to improve their feeding performance. METHOD. Single-case ABC-type experimental design. Performance and satisfaction of a 60-year-old man with PD were assessed during feeding tasks in 70 sequential days in three phases. Celeration Line, Two-Standard Deviation Band, and Visual Analysis were the methods used for data analysis. FINDINGS. Performance and satisfaction increased significantly after the introduction of the adaptive eating device. The addition of weight also contributed to the increase in the participant's performance. IMPLICATIONS. Adaptive eating device with low production costs and possibility of customized adjustments improves performance of people with PD.
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Fromme NP, Camenzind M, Riener R, Rossi RM. Design of a lightweight passive orthosis for tremor suppression. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2020; 17:47. [PMID: 32272964 PMCID: PMC7144059 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-020-00673-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tremor is the most common movement disorder with the highest prevalence in the upper limbs. The mechanical suppression of involuntary movements is an alternative and additional treatment to medication or surgery. Here we present a new, soft, lightweight, task asjustable and passive orthosis for tremor suppression. Methods A new concept of a manual, textile-based, passive orthosis was designed with an integrated, task adjustable, air-filled structure, which can easily be inflated or deflated on-demand for a certain daily activity. The air-filled structure is placed on the dorsal side of the wrist and gets bent and compressed by movements when inflated. In a constant volume air-filled structure, air pressure increases while it is inflating, creating a counterforce to the compression caused by bending. We characterised the air-filled structure stiffness by measuring the reaction torque as a function of the angle of deflection on a test bench. Furthermore, we evaluated the efficacy of the developed passive soft orthosis by analysing the suppression of involuntary movements in the wrist of a tremor-affected patient during different activities of daily living (i.e. by calculating the power spectral densities of acceleration). Results By putting special emphasis on the comfort and wearability of the orthosis, we achieved a lightweight design (33 g). The measurements of the angular deflection and resulting reaction torques show non-linear, hysteretic, behaviour, as well as linear behaviour with a coefficient of determination (R2) between 0.95 and 0.99. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the soft orthosis significantly reduces tremor power for daily living activities, such as drinking from a cup, pouring water and drawing a spiral, by 74 to 82% (p = 0.03); confirmed by subjective tremor-reducing perception by the patient. Conclusion The orthosis we developed is a lightweight and unobtrusive assistive technology, which suppresses involuntary movements and shows high wearability properties, with the potential to be comfortable. This air-structure technology could also be applied to other movement disorders, like spasticity, or even be integrated into future exoskeletons and exosuits for the implementation of variable stiffness in the systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Philip Fromme
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Martin Camenzind
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Robert Riener
- Sensory-Motor Systems Lab, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 1, TAN E 5, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland.,Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hosptial Balgrist, Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Lengghalde 5, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - René M Rossi
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Robertson EE, Hall DA, Pal G, Ouyang B, Liu Y, Joyce JM, Berry-Kravis E, O'Keefe JA. Tremorography in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Clin Park Relat Disord 2020; 3:100040. [PMID: 34316626 PMCID: PMC8298795 DOI: 10.1016/j.prdoa.2020.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting carriers of a 55-200 CGG repeat in the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene, may receive an initial diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) or essential tremor (ET) due to overlapping motor symptoms. Therefore, tremor and bradykinesia were compared in these disorders using quantitative tremorography. Methods The inertial sensor based Kinesia ™ system was used to quantify upper extremity tremor and bradykinesia in participants with FXTAS (n = 25), PD (n = 23), ET (n = 18) and controls (n = 20) and regression analysis was performed to determine whether tremorography measures distinguished between the groups. The FXTAS Rating scale (FXTAS-RS) was administered to determine whether sub-score items on the clinician rated scale correlated with tremorography variables. Results FXTAS participants had reduced finger tap speed compared to those with ET, and ET had increased kinetic tremor compared to PD. Higher kinetic tremor distinguished FXTAS from PD (p = .02), and lower finger tap speed distinguished FXTAS from ET (p = .004). FXTAS-RS tremor and bradykinesia items correlated with tremorography measures (p = .005 to <0.0001). Conclusions This is the first quantitative study to compare tremor and bradykinesia in FXTAS, PD and ET. Kinetic tremor and bradykinesia measures using a quantitative inertial sensor system distinguished FXTAS from PD and ET, respectively. Such technologies may be useful for detecting precise tremor and bradykinesia abnormalities and distinguishing the tremor and bradykinesia profiles in each of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Robertson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Deborah A Hall
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Gian Pal
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Bichun Ouyang
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Yuanqing Liu
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Jessica M Joyce
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Department of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Joan A O'Keefe
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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Wilkes BJ, Wagle Shukla A, Casamento-Moran A, Hess CW, Christou EA, Okun MS, Vaillancourt DE. Effects of ventral intermediate nucleus deep brain stimulation across multiple effectors in essential tremor. Clin Neurophysiol 2019; 131:167-176. [PMID: 31794958 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Essential tremor (ET) prominently affects the upper-limbs during voluntary movements, but can also affect the lower-limbs, head, and chin. Although deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of thalamus improves both clinical ratings and quantitative measures of tremor, no study has quantified effects of DBS on tremor across multiple body parts. Our objective was to quantify therapeutic effects of DBS across multiple body parts in ET. METHODS We performed quantitative assessment of tremor in ET patients who had DBS for at least one year. We assessed tremor on and off VIM-stimulation using triaxial accelerometers on the upper-limbs, lower-limbs, head and chin during seated and standing tasks. RESULTS VIM-DBS significantly reduced tremor, but there was no statistical difference in degree of tremor reduction across the measured effectors. Compared to healthy controls, ET patients treated with DBS showed significantly greater tremor power (4-8 Hz) across all effectors during seated and standing tasks. CONCLUSIONS VIM-DBS reduced tremor in ET patients. There was no significant difference in the degree of tremor reduction across the measured effectors. SIGNIFICANCE This study provides new quantitative evidence that VIM-DBS is effective at reducing tremor across multiple parts of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Wilkes
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - A Wagle Shukla
- Department of Neurology, Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - A Casamento-Moran
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - C W Hess
- Department of Neurology, Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - E A Christou
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - M S Okun
- Department of Neurology, Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - D E Vaillancourt
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neurology, Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Mechanical vibration does not systematically reduce the tremor in essential tremor patients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16476. [PMID: 31712728 PMCID: PMC6848159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential tremor (ET) is a major cause of disability and is not effectively managed in half of the patients. We investigated whether mechanical vibration could reduce tremor in ET by selectively recruiting afferent pathways. We used piezoelectric actuators to deliver vibratory stimuli to the hand and forearm during long trials (4 min), while we monitored the tremor using inertial sensors. We analyzed the effect of four stimulation strategies, including different constant and variable vibration frequencies, in 18 ET patients. Although there was not a clear homogeneous response to vibration across patients and strategies, in most cases (50–72%) mechanical vibration was associated with an increase in the amplitude of their tremor. In contrast, the tremor was reduced in 5–22% of the patients, depending on the strategy. However, these results are hard to interpret given the intrinsic variability of the tremor: during equally long trials without vibration, the tremor changed significantly in 67% of the patients (increased in 45%; decreased in 22%). We conclude that mechanical vibration of the limb does not have a systematic effect on tremor in ET. Moreover, the observed intrinsic variability of the tremor should be taken into account when designing future experiments to assess tremor in ET and how it responds to any intervention.
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Papapetropoulos S, Lee MS, Boyer S, Newbold EJ. A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of CX-8998, a Selective Modulator of the T-Type Calcium Channel in Inadequately Treated Moderate to Severe Essential Tremor: T-CALM Study Design and Methodology for Efficacy Endpoint and Digital Biomarker Selection. Front Neurol 2019; 10:597. [PMID: 31244760 PMCID: PMC6579833 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Essential tremor (ET) is a common, progressive neurological syndrome with bilateral upper-limb dysfunction of at least 3-year duration, with or without tremor in other body locations. This disorder has a negative impact on daily function and quality of life. A single oral therapy has been approved by FDA for ET. Off-label pharmacotherapies have inadequate efficacy and poor tolerability with high rates of patient dissatisfaction and discontinuation. Safe and efficacious pharmacotherapies are urgently needed to decrease tremor and improve daily living. T-CALM (Tremor-CAv3 modulation) protocol is designed to assess safety and efficacy of CX-8998, a selective modulator of the T-type calcium channel, for ET therapy. Methods/Design: T-CALM is a phase 2, proof of concept, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Titrated doses of CX-8998 to 10 mg BID or placebo will be administered for 28 days to moderate to severe ET patients who are inadequately treated with existing therapies. The primary endpoint will be change from baseline to day 28 of The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Performance Subscale (TETRAS-PS). Secondary efficacy endpoints for clinician and patient perception of daily function will include TETRAS Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire (QUEST), Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), and Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Kinesia One, Kinesia 360, and iMotor will biometrically evaluate motor function and tremor amplitude. Safety will be assessed by adverse events, physical and neurological exams and laboratory tests. Sample size of 43 patients per group is estimated to have 90% power to detect a 5.5-point difference between CX-8998 and placebo for TETRAS-PS. Efficacy analyses will be performed with covariance (ANCOVA) and 2-sided test at 0.05 significance level. Discussion: T-CALM has a unique design with physician rating scales, patient-focused questionnaires and scales and objective motor measurements to assess clinically meaningful and congruent efficacy. Patient perception of ET debilitation and therapy with CX-8998 will be key findings. Overall goal of T-CALM is generation of safety and efficacy data to support a go, no-go decision to further develop CX-8998 for ET. Design of T-CALM may guide future clinical studies of ET pharmacotherapies. Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03101241
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Hughes S, Claassen DO, van den Wildenberg WPM, Phibbs FT, Bradley EB, Wylie SA, van Wouwe NC. Action Control Deficits in Patients With Essential Tremor. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2019; 25:156-164. [PMID: 30501660 PMCID: PMC6374198 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617718001054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Essential tremor (ET) is a movement disorder characterized by action tremor which impacts motor execution. Given the disrupted cerebellar-thalamo-cortical networks in ET, we hypothesized that ET could interfere with the control mechanisms involved in regulating motor performance. The ability to inhibit or stop actions is critical for navigating many daily life situations such as driving or social interactions. The current study investigated the speed of action initiation and two forms of action control, response stopping and proactive slowing in ET. METHODS Thirty-three ET patients and 25 healthy controls (HCs) completed a choice reaction task and a stop-signal task, and measures of going speed, proactive slowing and stop latencies were assessed. RESULTS Going speed was significantly slower in ET patients (649 ms) compared to HCs (526 ms; F(1,56) = 42.37; p <.001; η 2 = .43), whereas proactive slowing did not differ between groups. ET patients exhibited slower stop signal reaction times (320 ms) compared to HCs (258 ms, F(1,56) = 15.3; p <.00; η 2 = .22) and more severe motor symptoms of ET were associated with longer stopping latencies in a subset of patients (Spearman rho = .48; p <.05). CONCLUSIONS In line with previous studies, ET patients showed slower action initiation. Additionally, inhibitory control was impaired whereas proactive slowing remained intact relative to HCs. More severe motor symptoms of ET were associated with slower stopping speed, and may reflect more progressive changes to the cerebellar-thalamo-cortical network. Future imaging studies should specify which structural and functional changes in ET can explain changes in inhibitory action control. (JINS, 2019, 25, 156-164).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Hughes
- 1Department of Neurology,Vanderbilt University Medical Center,Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Daniel O Claassen
- 1Department of Neurology,Vanderbilt University Medical Center,Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Fenna T Phibbs
- 1Department of Neurology,Vanderbilt University Medical Center,Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Elise B Bradley
- 1Department of Neurology,Vanderbilt University Medical Center,Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Scott A Wylie
- 2Department of Neurosurgery,University of Louisville,Louisville, Kentucky, Tennessee
| | - Nelleke C van Wouwe
- 1Department of Neurology,Vanderbilt University Medical Center,Nashville, Tennessee
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Zhang Z, Sternad D. The primacy of rhythm: how discrete actions merge into a stable rhythmic pattern. J Neurophysiol 2018; 121:574-587. [PMID: 30565969 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00587.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined how humans spontaneously merge a sequence of discrete actions into a rhythmic pattern, even when periodicity is not required. Two experiments used a virtual throwing task, in which subjects performed a long sequence of discrete throwing movements, aiming to hit a virtual target. In experiment 1, subjects performed the task for 11 sessions. Although there was no instruction to perform rhythmically, the variability of the interthrow intervals decreased to a level comparable to that of synchronizing with a metronome; furthermore, dwell times shortened or even disappeared with practice. Floquet multipliers and decreasing variability of the arm trajectories estimated in state space indicated an increasing degree of dynamic stability. Subjects who achieved a higher level of periodicity and stability also displayed higher accuracy in the throwing task. To directly test whether rhythmicity affected performance, experiment 2 disrupted the evolving continuity and periodicity by enforcing a pause between successive throws. This discrete group performed significantly worse and with higher variability in their arm trajectories than the self-paced group. These findings are discussed in the context of previous neuroimaging results showing that rhythmic movements involve significantly fewer cortical and subcortical activations than discrete movements and therefore may pose a computationally more parsimonious solution. Such emerging stable rhythms in neuromotor subsystems may serve as building blocks or dynamic primitives for complex actions. The tendency for humans to spontaneously fall into a rhythm in voluntary movements is consistent with the ubiquity of rhythms at all levels of the physiological system. NEW & NOTEWORTHY When performing a series of throws to hit a target, humans spontaneously merged successive actions into a continuous approximately periodic pattern. The degree of rhythmicity and stability correlated with hitting accuracy. Enforcing irregular pauses between throws to disrupt the rhythm deteriorated performance. Stable rhythmic patterns may simplify control of movement and serve as dynamic primitives for more complex actions. This observation reveals that biological systems tend to exhibit rhythmic behavior consistent with a plethora of physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoran Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dagmar Sternad
- Department of Biology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Physics, Northeastern University , Boston, Massachusetts
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Activity-aware essential tremor evaluation using deep learning method based on acceleration data. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2018; 58:17-22. [PMID: 30122598 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential tremor (ET), one of the most common neurological disorders is typically evaluated with validated rating scales which only provide a subjective assessment during a clinical visit, underestimating the fluctuations tremor during different daily activities. Motion sensors have shown favorable performances in both quantifying tremor and voluntary human activity recognition (HAR). OBJECTIVE To create an automated system of a reference scale using motion sensors supported by deep learning algorithms to accurately rate ET severity during voluntary activities, and to propose an IOTA based blockchain application to share anonymously tremor data. METHOD A smartwatch-based tremor monitoring system was used to collect motion data from 20 subjects while they were doing standard tasks. Two neurologists rated ET by Fahn-Tolosa Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS). Supported by deep learning techniques, activity classification models (ACMs) and tremor evaluation models (TEMs) were created and algorithms were implemented, to distinguish voluntary human activities and evaluate tremor severity respectively. RESULT A practical application example showed that the proposed ACMs can classify six typical activities with high accuracy (89.73%-98.84%) and the results produced by the TEMs are significantly correlated with the FTMTRS ratings of two neurologists (r1 = 0.92, p1 = 0.008; r2 = 0.93, p2 = 0.007). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that motion sensor data, supported by deep learning algorithms, can be used to classify human activities and evaluate essential tremor severity during different activities.
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Moldovan AS, Hartmann CJ, Trenado C, Meumertzheim N, Slotty PJ, Vesper J, Schnitzler A, Groiss SJ. Less is more - Pulse width dependent therapeutic window in deep brain stimulation for essential tremor. Brain Stimul 2018; 11:1132-1139. [PMID: 29735344 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shorter pulse widths than conventional pulse width settings may lead to reduction of side effects and therefore be a valuable therapeutic option for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with essential tremor (ET). OBJECTIVE To compare the DBS effect of shorter pulse width at 40 μs (DBS-40 μs) to conventional pulse width at 60 μs (DBS-60 μs) on the therapeutic window in ET patients. METHODS For this prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover study 9 ET patients with chronic DBS of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM)/posterior subthalamic area (PSA) were recruited. Therapeutic window was calculated by determining efficacy and side effect thresholds for DBS-40 μs and DBS-60 μs. Tremor Rating Scales and Kinesia tremor analyses were used to compare clinical efficacy between the considered settings and deactivated DBS (DBS-OFF). Volume of neural activation (VNA) was calculated for both efficacy and side effect thresholds at each pulse width. RESULTS DBS-40 μs showed a significantly larger therapeutic window than DBS-60 μs mainly due to higher side-effect thresholds. Both conditions significantly improved tremor compared to DBS-OFF, while efficacy was comparable between DBS-40 μs and DBS-60 μs. Moreover, VNA at efficacy threshold was smaller and less energy was required for tremor suppression with DBS-40 μs compared to DBS-60 μs. CONCLUSIONS VIM/PSA-DBS with short pulse width represents a promising programming option for DBS in ET as it reduces side effects while maintaining efficient tremor suppression. Furthermore, our data support the notion of pulse width dependent selective modulation of distinct fiber tracts leading to widening of the therapeutic window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia-Sabine Moldovan
- Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Johannes Hartmann
- Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Carlos Trenado
- Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Translational Neuromodulation Unit, Leibniz Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, TU Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Nicola Meumertzheim
- Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Jörg Slotty
- Department of Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Center for Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Vesper
- Department of Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Center for Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Jun Groiss
- Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Kim HB, Lee WW, Kim A, Lee HJ, Park HY, Jeon HS, Kim SK, Jeon B, Park KS. Wrist sensor-based tremor severity quantification in Parkinson's disease using convolutional neural network. Comput Biol Med 2018; 95:140-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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López-Blanco R, Velasco MA, Méndez-Guerrero A, Romero JP, Del Castillo MD, Serrano JI, Benito-León J, Bermejo-Pareja F, Rocon E. Essential tremor quantification based on the combined use of a smartphone and a smartwatch: The NetMD study. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 303:95-102. [PMID: 29481820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of wearable technology is an emerging field of research in movement disorders. This paper introduces a clinical study to evaluate the feasibility, clinical correlation and reliability of using a system based in smartwatches to quantify tremor in essential tremor (ET) patients and check its acceptance as clinical monitoring tool. NEW METHOD The system is based on a commercial smartwatch and an Android smartphone. An investigational Android application controls the process of recording raw data from the smartwatch three-dimensional gyroscopes. Thirty-four ET patients were consecutively enrolled in the experiments and assessed along one year. Arm tremor was videofilmed and scored using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTM-TRS). Tremor intensity was quantified with the root mean square of angular velocity measured in the patients' wrists. RESULTS Eighty-two assessments with smartwatches were performed. Spearman's correlation coefficients (ρ) between clinical tremor (FTM-TRS) scores and smartwatch measures for tremor intensity were 0.590 at rest; ρ = 0.738 in steady posture; ρ = 0.189 in finger-to-nose maneuvers; and ρ = 0.652 in pouring water task. Smartwatch reliability was checked by intraclass realiability coefficients: 0.85, 0.95, 0.91, 0.95 respectively. Most of patients showed good acceptance of the system. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) This commodity hardware contributes to quantify tremor objectively in a consulting-room by customized Android smart devices as clinical monitoring tool. CONCLUSIONS The NetMD system for tremor analysis is feasible, well-correlated with clinical scores, reliable and well-accepted by patients to tremor follow-up. Therefore, it could be an option to objectively quantify tremor in ET patients during their regular follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto López-Blanco
- Healthcare Research Institute (i+12), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Neurology Department, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | - Juan Pablo Romero
- Faculty of Biosanitary Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain; Brain Damage Service, Hospital Beata Maria Ana, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Julián Benito-León
- Healthcare Research Institute (i+12), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Neurology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Center of Biomedical Network Research on Neurodegenerative Dseases (CIBERNED), Spain; Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense Madrid (UCM), Spain
| | - Félix Bermejo-Pareja
- Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense Madrid (UCM), Spain; Clinical Research Unit, University Hospital, "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Rocon
- Centro de Automática y Robótica (CAR), CSIC-UPM, Madrid, Spain
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Miocinovic S, Shoeb AH, Wang S, Byrd EA, Swann NC, Pathak A, Ostrem JL. Clinical Tremor Severity Estimation Using an Instrumented Eating Utensil. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2017; 7:755-759. [PMID: 28922166 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-160929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate the feasibility of estimating clinical tremor scores using an eating utensil with motion-sensing and tremor-cancellation technology in thirteen patients with tremor. Three experts scored hand tremor using the modified Fahn- Tolosa-Marin (FTM) scale. A linear model was trained to estimate tremor severity using the recorded motion signals. The average neurologist FTM score was 1.6±0.7 for PD and 2.6±0.7 for ET patients. The average model score was 1.6±0.7 for PD and 2.6±0.6 for ET. Correlation coefficient between the clinical and model tremor scores was 0.91 (p < 0.001). Motion data from an instrumented eating utensil accurately derived tremor ratings enabling practical, objective daily monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali H Shoeb
- Verily Life Sciences, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erica A Byrd
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicole C Swann
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Jill L Ostrem
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
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Teufl S, Preston J, van Wijck F, Stansfield B. Objective identification of upper limb tremor in multiple sclerosis using a wrist-worn motion sensor: Establishing validity and reliability. Br J Occup Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0308022617726259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Over 25% of people with multiple sclerosis experience tremor, which may impact on activities of daily living and quality of life. Yet there is no method to objectively measure tremor and effectiveness of interventions on tremor. This study aimed to test validity and reliability of a new objective measurement for upper limb tremor in people with multiple sclerosis. Method Twelve participants with multiple sclerosis who self-reported tremor were observed performing standardised tasks. Validity and reliability of a new method to detect tremor from wrist movement was established against occupational therapist observation of tremor (FAHN). Concurrent validity of severity (displacement) of tremor was assessed. Responsiveness to change in tremor characteristics was explored in a sub-set of participants using weighted wrist-cuffs. Results The new method correctly predicted 98.2% of tremor cases identified by the occupational therapist, with high sensitivity (0.988) and specificity (0.976). Calculated displacement of tremor correlated with FAHN tremor severity scores moderately (rs = .452, p = .004). The new measure was responsive to changes in tremor characteristics due to change in weight of wrist-cuffs. Conclusion The new method of characterising tremor in those with multiple sclerosis demonstrated excellent validity and reliability in relation to tremor identified by an occupational therapist, and could provide valuable objective insight into the efficacy of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Teufl
- PhD researcher, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
| | - Jenny Preston
- Consultant Occupational Therapist, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, UK
| | - Frederike van Wijck
- Professor of Neurological Rehabilitation, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
| | - Ben Stansfield
- Reader in Health Engineering, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
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van den Noort JC, Verhagen R, van Dijk KJ, Veltink PH, Vos MCPM, de Bie RMA, Bour LJ, Heida CT. Quantification of Hand Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: A Proof-of-Principle Study Using Inertial and Force Sensors. Ann Biomed Eng 2017; 45:2423-2436. [PMID: 28726022 PMCID: PMC5622175 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-017-1881-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This proof-of-principle study describes the methodology and explores and demonstrates the applicability of a system, existing of miniature inertial sensors on the hand and a separate force sensor, to objectively quantify hand motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in a clinical setting (off- and on-medication condition). Four PD patients were measured in off- and on- dopaminergic medication condition. Finger tapping, rapid hand opening/closing, hand pro/supination, tremor during rest, mental task and kinetic task, and wrist rigidity movements were measured with the system (called the PowerGlove). To demonstrate applicability, various outcome parameters of measured hand motor symptoms of the patients in off- vs. on-medication condition are presented. The methodology described and results presented show applicability of the PowerGlove in a clinical research setting, to objectively quantify hand bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity in PD patients, using a single system. The PowerGlove measured a difference in off- vs. on-medication condition in all tasks in the presented patients with most of its outcome parameters. Further study into the validity and reliability of the outcome parameters is required in a larger cohort of patients, to arrive at an optimal set of parameters that can assist in clinical evaluation and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josien C van den Noort
- Biomedical Signals and Systems Group, MIRA Research Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands.
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Musculoskeletal Imaging Quantification Center, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Rens Verhagen
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kees J van Dijk
- Biomedical Signals and Systems Group, MIRA Research Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Peter H Veltink
- Biomedical Signals and Systems Group, MIRA Research Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle C P M Vos
- Biomedical Signals and Systems Group, MIRA Research Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Rob M A de Bie
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lo J Bour
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ciska T Heida
- Biomedical Signals and Systems Group, MIRA Research Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Goubault E, Nguyen HP, Ayachi FS, Bogard S, Duval C. Do Bradykinesia and Tremor Interfere in Voluntary Movement of Essential Tremor Patients? Preliminary Findings. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 7:459. [PMID: 28690920 PMCID: PMC5499257 DOI: 10.7916/d822319x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to determine whether tremor and bradykinesia impacted a dexterous activity performed by patients with essential tremor (ET). Methods Core bradykinesia was assessed in 27 controls and 15 patients with ET using a rapid alternating movement (RAM) task. Then, participants performed a “counting money” counting tasks while equipped with inertial measurement units to detect and quantify tremor during movement. The time required to perform subsections of the tasks and the rate of failure (errors) were compared between groups using Mann–Whitney U tests and a chi-square test, respectively. Results Patients with ET presented with significant bradykinesia during the RAM task and had more tremor during the counting money task. However, the time required to perform the task and rate of failure were similar between groups. Discussion Results show that even though bradykinesia was detected during fast movements, and that tremor was present during a task requiring dexterity, both symptoms did not interfere with the performance of patients with ET. This pilot study suggests that there may be a threshold at which tremor will become problematic. Determining this threshold for a wide range of daily activities may help determine when it is appropriate to initiate treatment for patients with ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Goubault
- Département des Sciences de l'activité physique Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Hung P Nguyen
- Département des Sciences de l'activité physique Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Fouaz S Ayachi
- Département des Sciences de l'activité physique Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarah Bogard
- Département des Sciences de l'activité physique Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Duval
- Département des Sciences de l'activité physique Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Sadarangani GP, Menon C. A preliminary investigation on the utility of temporal features of Force Myography in the two-class problem of grasp vs. no-grasp in the presence of upper-extremity movements. Biomed Eng Online 2017; 16:59. [PMID: 28511661 PMCID: PMC5434639 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-017-0349-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In upper-extremity stroke rehabilitation applications, the potential use of Force Myography (FMG) for detecting grasping is especially relevant, as the presence of grasping may be indicative of functional activity, which is a key goal of rehabilitation. To date, most FMG research has focused on the classification of the raw FMG signal (i.e. instantaneous FMG samples) in order to determine the state of the hand. However, given the temporal nature of force generation during grasping, the use of temporal feature extraction techniques may yield increased accuracy. In this study, the effectiveness of classifying temporal features of the FMG signal for the two-class grasp detection problem of "grasp" versus "no grasp" (i.e. no object in hand) was evaluated with ten healthy participants. The experimental protocol comprised grasp and move tasks, requiring the use of six different grasp types frequently used in daily living, in conjunction with arm and hand movements. Data corresponding to arm and hand movements without grasping were also included to evaluate robustness to false positives. The temporal features evaluated were mean absolute value (MAV), root mean squared (RMS), linear fit (LF), parabolic fit (PF), and autoregressive model (AR). Off-line classification performance of the five temporal features, with a 0.5 s extraction window, were determined and compared to that of the raw FMG signal using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). RESULTS The raw FMG signal yielded AUC of 0.819 ± 0.098. LF and PF resulted in the greatest increases in classification performance, and provided statistically significant increases in performance. The largest increase obtained was with PF, yielding AUC of 0.869 ± 0.061, corresponding to a 6.1% relative increase over the raw FMG signal. Despite the additional fitting term provided by PF, classification performance did not significantly improve with PF when compared to LF. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained indicate that temporal feature extraction techniques that derive models of the data within the window may yield modest improvements in FMG based grasp detection performance. In future studies, the use of model-based temporal features should be evaluated with FMG data from individuals with stroke, who might ultimately benefit from this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam P Sadarangani
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carlo Menon
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Heldman DA, Harris DA, Felong T, Andrzejewski KL, Dorsey ER, Giuffrida JP, Goldberg B, Burack MA. Telehealth Management of Parkinson's Disease Using Wearable Sensors: An Exploratory Study. Digit Biomark 2017; 1:43-51. [PMID: 29725667 DOI: 10.1159/000475801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parkinson's disease (PD) motor symptoms can fluctuate and may not be accurately reflected during a clinical evaluation. In addition, access to movement disorder specialists is limited for many with PD. The objective was to assess the impact of motion sensor-based telehealth diagnostics on PD clinical care and management. Methods Eighteen adults with PD were randomized to control or experimental groups. All participants were instructed to use a motion sensor-based monitoring system at home one day per week, for seven months. The system included a finger-worn motion sensor and tablet-based software interface that guided patients through tasks to quantify tremor, bradykinesia, and dyskinesia. Data were processed into motor symptom severity reports, which were reviewed by a movement disorders neurologist for experimental group participants. After three months and six months, control group participants visited the clinic for a routine appointment, while experimental group participants had a videoconference or phone call instead. Results Home based assessments were completed with median compliance of 95.7%. For a subset of participants, the neurologist successfully used information in the reports such as quantified response to treatment or progression over time to make therapy adjustments. Changes in clinical characteristics from study start to end were not significantly different between groups. Discussion Individuals with PD were able and willing to use remote monitoring technology. Patient management aided by telehealth diagnostics provided comparable outcomes to standard care. Telehealth technologies combined with wearable sensors have the potential to improve care for disparate PD populations or those unable to travel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denzil A Harris
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.,Center for Human Experimental Therapeutics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Timothy Felong
- Center for Human Experimental Therapeutics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kelly L Andrzejewski
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - E Ray Dorsey
- Center for Human Experimental Therapeutics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Michelle A Burack
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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Pulliam CL, Heldman DA, Brokaw EB, Mera TO, Mari ZK, Burack MA. Continuous Assessment of Levodopa Response in Parkinson's Disease Using Wearable Motion Sensors. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2017; 65:159-164. [PMID: 28459677 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2017.2697764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fluctuations in response to levodopa in Parkinson's disease (PD) are difficult to treat as tools to monitor temporal patterns of symptoms are hampered by several challenges. The objective was to use wearable sensors to quantify the dose response of tremor, bradykinesia, and dyskinesia in individuals with PD. METHODS Thirteen individuals with PD and fluctuating motor benefit were instrumented with wrist and ankle motion sensors and recorded by video. Kinematic data were recorded as subjects completed a series of activities in a simulated home environment through transition from off to on medication. Subjects were evaluated using the unified Parkinson disease rating scale motor exam (UPDRS-III) at the start and end of data collection. Algorithms were applied to the kinematic data to score tremor, bradykinesia, and dyskinesia. A blinded clinician rated severity observed on video. Accuracy of algorithms was evaluated by comparing scores with clinician ratings using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS Algorithm scores for tremor, bradykinesia, and dyskinesia agreed with clinician ratings of video recordings (ROC area > 0.8). Summary metrics extracted from time intervals before and after taking medication provided quantitative measures of therapeutic response (p < 0.01). Radar charts provided intuitive visualization, with graphical features correlated with UPDRS-III scores (R = 0.81). CONCLUSION A system with wrist and ankle motion sensors can provide accurate measures of tremor, bradykinesia, and dyskinesia as patients complete routine activities. SIGNIFICANCE This technology could provide insight on motor fluctuations in the context of daily life to guide clinical management and aid in development of new therapies.
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Zheng X, Vieira Campos A, Ordieres-Meré J, Balseiro J, Labrador Marcos S, Aladro Y. Continuous Monitoring of Essential Tremor Using a Portable System Based on Smartwatch. Front Neurol 2017; 8:96. [PMID: 28360883 PMCID: PMC5350115 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Essential tremor (ET) shows amplitude fluctuations throughout the day, presenting challenges in both clinical and treatment monitoring. Tremor severity is currently evaluated by validated rating scales, which only provide a timely and subjective assessment during a clinical visit. Motor sensors have shown favorable performances in quantifying tremor objectively. METHODS A new highly portable system was used to monitor tremor continuously during daily lives. It consists of a smartwatch with a triaxial accelerometer, a smartphone, and a remote server. An experiment was conducted involving eight ET patients. The average effective data collection time per patient was 26 (±6.05) hours. Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS) was adopted as the gold standard to classify tremor and to validate the performance of the system. Quantitative analysis of tremor severity on different time scales is validated. RESULTS Significant correlations were observed between neurologist's FTMTRS and patient's FTMTRS auto-assessment scores (r = 0.84; p = 0.009), between the device quantitative measures and the scores from the standardized assessments of neurologists (r = 0.80; p = 0.005) and patient's auto-evaluation (r = 0.97; p = 0.032), and between patient's FTMTRS auto-assessment scores day-to-day (r = 0.87; p < 0.001). A graphical representation of four patients with different degrees of tremor was presented, and a representative system is proposed to summarize the tremor scoring at different time scales. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the feasibility of prolonged and continuous monitoring of tremor severity during daily activities by a highly portable non-restrictive system, a useful tool to analyze efficacy and effectiveness of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Zheng
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Technical University of Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| | | | - Joaquín Ordieres-Meré
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Technical University of Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| | - Jose Balseiro
- University Hospital of Getafe, Getafe , Madrid , Spain
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Chockalingam A, Boggs H, Prusik J, Ramirez-Zamora A, Feustel P, Belasen A, Youn Y, Fama C, Haller J, Pilitsis J. Evaluation of Quantitative Measurement Techniques for Head Tremor With Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation. Neuromodulation 2017; 20:464-470. [DOI: 10.1111/ner.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hans Boggs
- Department of Neurosurgery; Albany Medical Center; Albany NY USA
| | - Julia Prusik
- Department of Neurosurgery; Albany Medical Center; Albany NY USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics; Albany Medical College; Albany NY USA
| | | | - Paul Feustel
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics; Albany Medical College; Albany NY USA
| | - Abigail Belasen
- Department of Neurosurgery; Albany Medical Center; Albany NY USA
| | - Youngwon Youn
- Department of Neurosurgery; Albany Medical Center; Albany NY USA
| | - Chris Fama
- Department of Neurosurgery; Albany Medical Center; Albany NY USA
| | - Jessica Haller
- Department of Neurosurgery; Albany Medical Center; Albany NY USA
| | - Julie Pilitsis
- Department of Neurosurgery; Albany Medical Center; Albany NY USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics; Albany Medical College; Albany NY USA
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Kubben PL, Kuijf ML, Ackermans LPCM, Leentjens AFG, Temel Y. TREMOR12: An Open-Source Mobile App for Tremor Quantification. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2016; 94:182-6. [PMID: 27395052 DOI: 10.1159/000446610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluating the effect of treatment of tremor is mostly performed with clinical rating scales. Mobile applications facilitate a more rapid, objective, and quantitative evaluation of treatment effect. Existing mobile apps do not offer raw data access, which limits algorithm development. OBJECTIVE To develop a novel open-source mobile app for tremor quantification. METHODS TREMOR12 is an open-source mobile app that samples acceleration, rotation, rotation speed, and gravity, each in 3 axes and time-stamped in a frequency up to 100 Hz. The raw measurement data can be exported as a comma-separated value file for further analysis in the TREMOR12P data processing module. The app was evaluated with 3 patients suffering from essential tremor, who were between 55 and 71 years of age. RESULTS This proof-of-concept study shows that the TREMOR12 app is able to detect and register tremor characteristics such as acceleration, rotation, rotation speed, and gravity in a simple and nonburdensome way. The app is compatible with current regulatory oversight by the European Union (MEDDEV regulations) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on mobile medical applications. CONCLUSION TREMOR12 offers low-cost tremor quantification for research purposes and algorithm development, and may help to improve treatment evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter L Kubben
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Elble RJ, Hellriegel H, Raethjen J, Deuschl G. Assessment of Head Tremor with Accelerometers Versus Gyroscopic Transducers. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2016; 4:205-211. [PMID: 30363428 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accelerometers and gyroscopes are used commonly in the assessment of hand tremor, but their validity in the assessment of head tremor has not been studied. We hypothesized that gyroscopy would be superior to accelerometry because head tremor is rotational motion, and gyroscopes record rotational motion, free of gravitational artifact. We also hypothesized a strong logarithmic relationship between 0 to 4-point tremor ratings and the transducer measures of tremor amplitude, similar to those previously reported for hand tremor. Methods Head tremor was recorded for 1 minute in each of the five head positions used in the Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale, using a triaxial accelerometer and triaxial gyroscope mounted at the vertex of the head. Mean and maximum 3-second burst displacement tremor and rotation tremor were computed by spectral analysis. The minimum detectable change for the transducers was estimated using the residual mean squared error from repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results Tremor displacement and rotation (T) were logarithmically related to tremor ratings (tremor rating score; TRS): log(T) = α TRS + β, where α ≈ 0.47 for displacement and ≈0.64 for rotation, and β ≈ -1.8 and -1.4. Tremor ratings correlated more strongly with gyroscopy (r = 0.83-0.87) than with accelerometry (r = 0.71-0.75). Minimum detectable change (percent reduction) was approximately 66% of the baseline geometric mean. Conclusions Gyroscopic transducers are superior to accelerometry for assessment of head tremor. Both measures of head tremor are logarithmically related to tremor ratings. The minimum detectable change of the transducer measures is comparable to those previously reported for hand tremor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodger J Elble
- Department of Neurology Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Springfield Illinois USA.,Department of Neurology Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel Germany
| | - Helge Hellriegel
- Department of Neurology Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel Germany
| | - Jan Raethjen
- Department of Neurology Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel Germany
| | - Günther Deuschl
- Department of Neurology Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel Germany
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Cerebellar involvement in Parkinson's disease resting tremor. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2016; 3:13. [PMID: 27280027 PMCID: PMC4897799 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-016-0051-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background There exists a lack of consensus regarding how cerebellar over-activity might influence tremor in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Specifically, it is unclear whether resting or postural tremor are differentially affected by cerebellar dysfunction. It is important to note that previous studies have only evaluated the influence of inhibitory stimulation on the lateral cerebellum, and have not considered the medial cerebellum. The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of a low-frequency rTMS protocol applied to the medial versus lateral cerebellum to localize the effects of cerebellar over-activity. Methods Fifty PD participants were randomly assigned to receive stimulation over the medial cerebellum (n = 20), lateral cerebellum (n = 20) or sham stimulation (n = 10). 900 pulses were delivered at 1Hz at 120 % resting motor threshold of the first dorsal interosseous muscle. Tremor was assessed quantitatively (before and after stimulation) using the Kinesia Homeview system which utilizes a wireless finger accelerometer to record tremor. Results The main finding was that resting tremor severity was reduced in tremor-dominant individuals, regardless of whether stimulation was applied over the medial (p = 0.024) or lateral (p = 0.033) cerebellum, but not in the sham group. Conclusion Given that the cerebellum is overactive in PD, the improvements in resting tremor following an inhibitory stimulation protocol suggest that over-activity in cerebellar nuclei may be involved in the generation of resting tremor in PD. Low-frequency rTMS over the medial or lateral cerebellum provides promise of an alternative treatment for tremor in PD, a symptom that is poorly responsive to dopaminergic replacement. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40673-016-0051-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Haubenberger D, Abbruzzese G, Bain PG, Bajaj N, Benito-León J, Bhatia KP, Deuschl G, Forjaz MJ, Hallett M, Louis ED, Lyons KE, Mestre TA, Raethjen J, Stamelou M, Tan EK, Testa CM, Elble RJ. Transducer-based evaluation of tremor. Mov Disord 2016; 31:1327-36. [PMID: 27273470 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society established a task force on tremor that reviewed the use of transducer-based measures in the quantification and characterization of tremor. Studies of accelerometry, electromyography, activity monitoring, gyroscopy, digitizing tablet-based measures, vocal acoustic analysis, and several other transducer-based methods were identified by searching PubMed.gov. The availability, use, acceptability, reliability, validity, and responsiveness were reviewed for each measure using the following criteria: (1) used in the assessment of tremor; (2) used in published studies by people other than the developers; and (3) adequate clinimetric testing. Accelerometry, gyroscopy, electromyography, and digitizing tablet-based measures fulfilled all three criteria. Compared to rating scales, transducers are far more sensitive to changes in tremor amplitude and frequency, but they do not appear to be more capable of detecting a change that exceeds random variability in tremor amplitude (minimum detectable change). The use of transducer-based measures requires careful attention to their limitations and validity in a particular clinical or research setting. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietrich Haubenberger
- Clinical Trials Unit, Office of the Clinical Director, National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | | | - Peter G Bain
- Department of Neurology, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nin Bajaj
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Julián Benito-León
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kailash P Bhatia
- Sobell Department for Movement Neuroscience, UCL, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Günther Deuschl
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Maria João Forjaz
- National School of Public Health and Red de Investigación en Servicios Sanitarios y Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elan D Louis
- Departments of Neurology and Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Medicine and Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kelly E Lyons
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Tiago A Mestre
- Parkinson's disease and Movement Disorders Center, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jan Raethjen
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Maria Stamelou
- Neurology Department, University of Athens, Greece and Neurology Department, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Eng-King Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute (SGH campus), Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Claudia M Testa
- Department of Neurology and Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Rodger J Elble
- Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
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48
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Rao AK, Louis ED. Timing control of gait: a study of essential tremor patients vs. age-matched controls. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2016; 3:5. [PMID: 26937284 PMCID: PMC4774137 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-016-0043-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder characterized by kinetic, postural and intention tremors. Mounting evidence suggests an underlying dysfunction of the cerebellum or cerebellar system. While few recent studies report impairments in timing control of finger movements in ET, timing control of gait has not been examined to date. We compared timing control of gait in ET patients vs. controls, and further assessed the association of these timing impairments with tremor severity among the ET patients. One-hundred-fifty-five ET patients and 60 age-matched controls underwent a comprehensive neurological assessment and gait analysis, which included walking at a criterion step frequency (cadence) with a metronome (timing production) and walking at a criterion step frequency after the metronome was turned off (timing reproduction). Outcomes of interest for both conditions were timing accuracy (measured by cadence error) and timing precision (measured by cadence variability). We also assessed cadence and step time across conditions. Results Cadence was lower in ET patients than controls (p < 0.03), whereas step time was similar for ET patients and controls. Accuracy (cadence error) and precision (cadence variability) were not different in ET patients compared with controls. Cranial tremor score was significantly associated with cadence (timing production condition, p = 0.003 and timing reproduction condition, p = 0.0001) and cadence error (timing production condition, p = 0.01). Kinetic tremor and intention tremor scores were not associated with gait measures. Conclusions ET patients do not demonstrate impairments in timing control of gait as compared with matched controls. Prior work shows that patients with cerebellar dysfunction demonstrate selective impairments in timing of discrete movements (such as finger tapping) but not continuous movements (such as circle drawing). Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that the cerebellum may be important for timing control of discrete rather than continuous movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini K Rao
- Department of Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine (Physical Therapy), College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY USA ; G.H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY USA ; Neurological Institute, 8th Floor, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA ; Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA ; Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA
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49
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Vilas-Boas MDC, Cunha JPS. Movement Quantification in Neurological Diseases: Methods and Applications. IEEE Rev Biomed Eng 2016; 9:15-31. [PMID: 27008673 DOI: 10.1109/rbme.2016.2543683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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50
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Quantitative Assessment of Parkinsonian Tremor Based on an Inertial Measurement Unit. SENSORS 2015; 15:25055-71. [PMID: 26426020 PMCID: PMC4634500 DOI: 10.3390/s151025055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative assessment of parkinsonian tremor based on inertial sensors can provide reliable feedback on the effect of medication. In this regard, the features of parkinsonian tremor and its unique properties such as motor fluctuations and dyskinesia are taken into account. Least-square-estimation models are used to assess the severities of rest, postural, and action tremors. In addition, a time-frequency signal analysis algorithm for tremor state detection was also included in the tremor assessment method. This inertial sensor-based method was verified through comparison with an electromagnetic motion tracking system. Seven Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients were tested using this tremor assessment system. The measured tremor amplitudes correlated well with the judgments of a neurologist (r = 0.98). The systematic analysis of sensor-based tremor quantification and the corresponding experiments could be of great help in monitoring the severity of parkinsonian tremor.
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