Objective: The present research examines a novel non-invasive vibrotactile device for stimulation of fingertips in a pattern that aims to disrupt pathological physiological beta-band oscillations that are believed to be associated with motor symptoms, particularly bradykinesia, of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Specifically, we assess whether the therapy reduces symptoms of bradykinesia compared to a placebo control.

Background: It is thought that the paucity of movements in PD may reflect an abnormal stabilization of motor plans, as reflected in the motor stabilization hypothesis of the beta-band physiological rhythm (15-30 Hz). Recent modeling work shows that when stimulation provided in a pattern referred to as coordinated reset (CR) can disrupt the pathological oscillations that outlasts the stimulation. Preliminary work shows that CR therapy, delivered as vibrotactile stimulation to the fingertips of both hands appears to reduce bradykinesia symptoms. The prior findings, however, are limited to very small samples and do not include a placebo control. Here, we report the results of a study wherein 16 PD participants underwent CR vibrotactile (VT) therapy or a placebo VT stimulation protocol and assessed their movement after each experimental arm.

Method: Sixteen PD participants (Hoehn-Yahr 2-4) underwent active CR VT or placebo VT treatment for two months each. Treatment consists of wearing a VT glove that provides stimulation for a total of four hours daily. The design of the study is a double-blind, crossover (order randomly determined) with movement assessed at the end of each arm using an instrumented measure of the UPDRS Part III (Kinesia One, Great Lakes NeuroTechnologies) as the outcome measure.

Results: Compared to placebo control, PD patients exhibit statistically significant reductions in bradykinesia scores after CR VT therapy. Moreover, tremor scores were not significantly affected by CR VT therapy.

Conclusion: The present findings replicate prior CR VT therapy studies that have used small samples and no placebo control. Specifically, the results replicate the specific effects of CR VT therapy on bradykinesia. CR VT therapy represents a promising non-invasive therapy for the treatment of bradykinesia symptoms in PD patients. Importantly, the principle of CR therapy suggests that the therapeutic benefits outlast the stimulation and has potential for sustained long-term outcomes.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/coordinated-reset-vibrotactile-therapy-for-the-treatment-of-bradykinesia-in-parkinsons-disease-patients/