New algorithms combined with wearable sensors to track symptoms of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease, a brain disorder that affects neurons in an area of the brain that controls movement and causes tremors, difficulty walking, and other motor problems. As the disease progresses, people can have difficulty walking and speaking. To assess the severity of symptoms, clinicians rely on a handful of tests, such as: B. those that measure the walking speed - or how fast people walk. These tests are usually done in the clinic every few months. Various factors can affect the results, including the experience of the person performing the assessment. Usually walking speed is the sixth sign of life and is also related to life expectancy. For example, if you go faster, you can count on a longer lifespan. In a new study, EPFL scientists determine how the walking speed is influenced in Parkinson's disease. 27 people with Parkinson's disease were included in the study. They were then fitted with a foot-worn sensor that recorded how fast they were