Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS