The prevention of falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease with in-home monitoring using a wearable system: a pilot study protocol

Abstract

Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition that gradually worsens motor function and leads to postural instability and, eventually, falls. Several factors may influence the frequency of future falls, such as slowness, freezing of gait, loss of balance, and mobility problems, cognitive impairments, and the number of previous falls. The TED bracelet is an advanced technological wearable device able to predict falls. Aims This principal aim is to investigate the feasibility of a full-scale research project that uses the TED bracelet to identify whether individuals with PD are at risk of falling. Methods This study will involve a pilot prospective observational study design; the subjects will include 26 patients suffering from mild PD and 26 others with no PD and no gait problems. Data will be collected from the TED bracelet and then compared to a paper-based fall diary. The enrolled participants will have a scheduled outpatient evaluation to collect both clinical and instrumental data as well as biological samples. Discussion This pilot study could then be implemented in a larger form to further evaluate the effectiveness of the TED device. Finally, it will help further develop gait monitoring systems for people with Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases that can affect physical function and mobility, such as dementia and Alzheimer's. Conclusions Preventing falls and their complications could lead to major advancements in the quality of home care for patients with PD, which would significantly impact the quality of life of both these patients and their caregivers.

UPO Biobank: The Challenge of Integrating Biobanking into the Academic Environment to Support Translational Research

“…Based on this biobank initiative, disease-specific biobanking studies have already been published ( Table 1 ) [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ], and all the invited patients participating in these studies also adhered to the broader aims of the biobank by providing specific consent.…”

The effectiveness of a fall detection device in older nursing home residents: a pilot study

“…Most studies to date aimed at utilizing wearable sensors for fall risk prediction and monitoring in Parkinson's disease. [29][30][31][32] However, studies so far have failed to associate wearable sensors and bed alarms with a reduction in falls. 24,25,33 Moreover, a prospective study conducted in multiple nursing homes has shown that approximately 75% of falls occur in the residents' rooms and bathrooms.…”

Gait Monitoring and Analysis: A Mathematical Approach

“…The data used for the analysis were gathered during two similar studies [ 7 ], which required two slightly different, albeit equivalent, architectures. The shared components and the ones on which they differ are shown in Figure 1 and detailed below.…”

“…Furthermore, gait analysis provides insights into the functional decline associated with age-related musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact an individual’s gait pattern [ 7 ]. Continuous monitoring of gait parameters in these populations allows for the early detection of functional decline and facilitates the development of targeted interventions to mitigate the negative effects on mobility and overall quality of life.…”

“…The purpose of this paper is to provide methodological insight related to the mathematical model adopted for the analysis of the data obtained. The TED study is still in progress [ 7 ]. The final results of the study will be published in a subsequent paper.…”