Objective: To assess the correlations between gait characteristics obtained from pressure sensor insoles, and clinical assessments of motor features in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients.

Background: Gait analysis is of high importance for the management of PD. Latest advances include the use of wearable sensing systems to support the precise and objective assessment of gait.

Method: PD patients (Hoehn & Yahr stages 1-4) were recruited from the Movement Disorders Clinic, Patras University Hospital, Greece. All participants were assessed during the OFF and ON medication conditions. A ten-meter route at a normal pace of walking was performed by all participants, and for 4 repetitions in each state, while wearing a validated sensor insole system (incorporating 16 pressure sensors). Sixteen gait temporal and spatial characteristics (step number, right & left step duration, stride duration, stance time, swing time, single & double support time, step length, stride length, gait cycle, step velocity, gait velocity, step cadence, walk ratio) were calculated. These were correlated with Part III MDS-Unified Parkinson´s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) total scores and sub-scores of interests (Axial and Bradykinesia), as well as medication state. A mixed linear model with Least Significant Difference adjustment was employed. Level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Safety and wearability of the device were also measured.

Results: Nineteen PD patients (14 males) with mean age 63±11.5 years, disease duration 11.0±10 years and levodopa equivalent dose 638±289.8 were included. Total UPDRS-III score was 41.7±20 and 30.3±20.3 during OFF and ON conditions. Mixed linear model analysis revealed a significant correlation between medication state and 6, between axial score and 12, between bradykinesia score and 13, and between UPDRS-III total score and 10 out of the 16 features. Further within the two medication states analysis showed significant interactions between axial, bradykinesia and UPDRS-III total score and 2, 14 and 8 features, respectively. There were no issues regarding the wearability of the device and no adverse events occurred.

Conclusion: The experimental results show correlations between the different MDS-UPDRS subsets and the gait temporal and spatial characteristics. Therefore, it is positively evidenced that wearable sensing systems could support the clinical gait assessment and that further research is needed.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/pressure-sensor-insole-gait-assessment-for-parkinsons-disease-patients-a-pilot-study/