OBJECTIVE

To examine whether gait and postures can accurately be detected with a single small body-fixed device in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease (PD).

DESIGN

Results of a triaxial accelerometer-based method were evaluated against video observation scores (criterion measure). Study 1: Subjects performed basic mobility-related activities (walking, lying, sitting, standing) in a fixed and free sequence. Study 2: Subjects were monitored while doing similar activities as in study 1 and while doing usual domestic activities.

SETTING

Study 1: Standardized set-up in a movement laboratory. Study 2: Home environment.

PARTICIPANTS

(N=37) Study 1: Patients with PD (n=32; mean age +/- SD, 67.3+/-6.6y; mean disease duration +/- SD, 6.1+/-3.4y). Study 2: Patients with PD (n=5; mean age +/- SD, 76.0+/-7.3y; mean disease duration +/- SD, 3.8+/-4.7y).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The degree of correspondence between the monitor and the video observation for the duration of each activity. Overall agreement, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were calculated.

RESULTS

Study 1: Overall agreement ranged between 69.8% and 90.8% (fixed sequence) and 57.5% and 96.9% (free sequence). Study 2: Overall agreement ranged between 60.0% and 89.2%. Lying, sitting (home), and walking were detected most accurately with mean sensitivity varying from 81.7% to 99.9%. Lower values were found for sitting (laboratory), standing, and shuffling.

CONCLUSIONS

This triaxial monitor system is a practical and valuable tool for objective, continuous evaluation of walking and postures in patients with mild to moderate PD. Detection of sitting and standing requires further fine-tuning.