Gait Analysis with Wearables Is a Potential Progression Marker in Parkinson’s Disease

Brain Sci., 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091213 · Published: September 8, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study investigates gait patterns in Parkinson's disease (PD) using wearable sensors to quantify how walking changes at different stages of the disease, as defined by the Hoehn and Yahr (H-Y) scale. Researchers analyzed various gait parameters, including speed, step length, and joint movements, to identify markers that could help detect PD early and track its progression. The study found that certain gait parameters, such as stride length and gait velocity, worsened as PD progressed, suggesting they could be useful indicators of disease stage and targets for therapeutic interventions.

Study Duration

From February 2019 to July 2021

Participants

138 PD patients and 56 healthy controls

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Significant differences in stride length, gait velocity, variability of stride length, heel strike angle, and range of motion of ankle, knee, and hip joints were observed between healthy controls and PD patients in early stages (H–Y I-II).
2
Differences in asymmetry index of stride length and range of motion of the hip were found between healthy controls and patients in advanced stages (H–Y IV).
3
Gait parameters were significantly associated with Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39, indicating a correlation between objective gait measurements and subjective clinical assessments.

Research Summary

This study used wearable sensors to quantify gait parameters in 138 PD patients across different stages of the disease and 56 healthy controls, aiming to identify gait impairments in early and progressive stages of PD. The research revealed that spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters, such as stride length, gait velocity, and range of motion in lower limb joints, significantly differ between healthy controls and early-stage PD patients and worsen with disease progression. The study concludes that gait impairment occurs early in PD and deteriorates as the disease progresses, suggesting that gait parameters can be used as markers for early detection and progression assessment of PD.

Practical Implications

Early Detection Biomarkers

Stride length, gait velocity, and ROM can serve as potential biomarkers for the early detection of PD.

Progression Monitoring

Changes in gait parameters can be used to monitor the progression of PD and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

Rehabilitation Targets

Rehabilitation and exercise therapies should target improvements in stride length, gait velocity, joint ROM, and heel strike to enhance mobility and reduce fall risk in PD patients.

Study Limitations

1
The number of PD patients in the H–Y IV stage in our research was relatively small
2
This study was only conducted in a single center, which may have led to a selection bias.
3
Other non-motor symptoms and subgroups that may affect gait, such as depression, were not considered in this study.

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