Biosensor vital sign detects multiple sclerosis progression

Abstract

Objective To determine whether a small, wearable multisensor device can discriminate between progressive versus relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) and capture limb progression over a short interval, using finger and foot tap data. Methods Patients with MS were followed prospectively during routine clinic visits approximately every 6 months. At each visit, participants performed finger and foot taps wearing the MYO‐band, which includes accelerometer, gyroscope, and surface electromyogram sensors. Metrics of within‐patient limb progression were created by combining the change in signal waveform features over time. The resulting upper (UE) and lower (LE) extremity metrics’ discrimination of progressive versus relapsing MS were evaluated with calculation of AUROC. Comparisons with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were made with Pearson correlation. Results Participants included 53 relapsing and 15 progressive MS (72% female, baseline mean age 48 years, median disease duration 11 years, median EDSS 2.5, median 10 months follow‐up). The final summary metrics differentiated relapsing from secondary progressive MS with AUROC UE 0.93 and LE 0.96. The metrics were associated with baseline EDSS (UE P = 0.0003, LE P = 0.0007). While most had no change in EDSS during the short follow‐up, several had evidence of progression by the multisensor metrics. Interpretation Within a short follow‐up interval, this novel multisensor algorithm distinguished progressive from relapsing MS and captured changes in limb function. Inexpensive, noninvasive and easy to use, this novel outcome is readily adaptable to clinical practice and trials as a MS vital sign. This approach also holds promise to monitor limb dysfunction in other neurological diseases.

Assessment of Upper Extremity Function in Multiple Sclerosis: Feasibility of a Digital Pinching Test

“…Second, the study duration (24 weeks) prohibited us from assessing the Pinching Test’s ability to detect MS disease progression. The feasibility of using sensor-based assessments to monitor upper extremity function over time was recently demonstrated, showing a worsening in the performance of tapping the index finger against the thumb—a movement resembling that assessed by our Pinching Test—suggesting subtle progression uncaptured by EDSS [ 41 ]. Additionally, our work presents an analytical limitation.…”

Detection of an Ataxia-type disease from EMG and IMU sensors

“…It is known that sEMG may provide objective means to assess sports seizures, aid the diagnosis process, and may help improve treatment outcomes [7]. Therefore, EMG, together with IMU data, has been proposed to monitor the progress of diseases linked to a dysfunctioning nervous system such as multiple sclerosis and which may lead to limb dysfunction [8].…”