Objective parameter definitions from iTUG and SPA tests.

<p>A reference for calculation procedure is presented for each parameter.</p><p>iTUG: instrumented Timed-up-and-go</p><p>SPA: spontaneous physical activity</p><p>S-St: sit-to-stand</p><p>St-S: stand-to-sit</p><p>ROM: range of motion</p><p>* St-S and St-S transition were defined based on the change of trunk tilt in the sagittal plane both in the iTUG and SPA assessments.</p><p>†Turn transition was defined based on the change of trunk twisting angle in the iTUG assessment.</p><p>‡ Gait speed was computed using information from the detected step time and the amplitude of acceleration during each gait cycle.</p><p>Objective parameter definitions from iTUG and SPA tests.</p

Objective parameter definitions from gait and postural balance tests.

<p>A reference for calculation procedure is presented for each parameter.</p><p>COG: center of gravity</p><p>AP: anterior-posterior</p><p>ML: medial-lateral</p><p>RCI: reciprocal compensatory index</p><p>OL: open-loop</p><p>* Steady-state walking was the first stride of the group of six strides with an SD below the median SD of the all analyzed strides ±6% [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0124763#pone.0124763.ref013" target="_blank">13</a>].</p><p>Objective parameter definitions from gait and postural balance tests.</p

Differences in gait and postural balance parameters between PD and healthy control groups.

<p>The symbol * indicates a significant difference using <i>t</i>-test or U test (0.01 was used as the significance level). Due to similarity between conditions, only normal habitual gait and the eyes-open condition for the balance test are presented. Mean (SD) are presented.</p><p>PD: Parkinson’s disease</p><p>CI: confidence interval</p><p>COG: center of gravity</p><p>AP: anterior-posterior</p><p>ML: medial-lateral</p><p>RCI: reciprocal compensatory index</p><p>OL: open-loop.</p><p>Differences in gait and postural balance parameters between PD and healthy control groups.</p

Patient Survey on Satisfaction and Impact of 123I-Ioflupane Dopamine Transporter Imaging

<div><p>Patients were surveyed to assess the impact of dopamine transporter imaging on diagnostic confidence, change in treatment plan, effect on medication compliance, and subjective well-being. Surveys were sent to 140 patients who completed dopamine transporter imaging an average of 18 months prior. Sixty-five surveys from patients (46%) were returned. Questions assessed patients’ perceived impact of the imaging on their care. Increased diagnostic confidence following imaging was reported by 69% of patients. Changes to treatment plan from imaging were reported by 24% of patients. Overall satisfaction with the study and its impact was reported by 70% of patients. Dopamine transporter imaging increased diagnostic confidence among patients and overall patient satisfaction with the impact of imaging on clinical care was high.</p></div

A Pilot Clinical Trial to Objectively Assess the Efficacy of Electroacupuncture on Gait in Patients with Parkinson's Disease Using Body Worn Sensors

<div><p>Background</p><p>Gait disorder, a key contributor to fall and poor quality of life, represents a major therapeutic challenge in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The efficacy of acupuncture for PD remains unclear, largely due to methodological flaws and lack of studies using objective outcome measures.</p><p>Objective</p><p>To objectively assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) for gait disorders using body-worn sensor technology in patients with PD.</p><p>Methods</p><p>In this randomized pilot study, both the patients and assessors were masked. Fifteen PD patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) or to a control group (n = 5). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after completion of three weekly EA treatments. Measurements included gait analysis during single-task habitual walking (STHW), dual-task habitual walking (DTHW), single-task fast walking (STFW), dual-task fast walking (DTFW). In addition, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), SF-12 health survey, short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were utilized.</p><p>Results</p><p>All gait parameters were improved in the experimental group in response to EA treatment. After adjustment by age and BMI, the improvement achieved statistical significant level for gait speed under STHW, STFW, and DTFW (9%-19%, p<0.05) as well as stride length during DTFW (9%, p = 0.037) and midswing speed during STFW (6%, p = 0.033). No significant changes were observed in the control group (p>0.110). The highest correlation between gait parameters and UPRDS scores at baseline was observed between gait speed during STFW and UPDRS II (r = -0.888, p = 0.004). The change in this gait parameter in response to active intervention was positively correlated with baseline UPDRS (r = 0.595, p = 0.057). Finally, comparison of responses to treatment between groups showed significant improvement, prominently in gait speed (effect size 0.32–1.16, <i>p</i> = 0.001).</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>This study provides the objective proof of concept for potential benefits of non-pharmaceutical based EA therapy on enhancing gait in patients with PD.</p><p>Trial Registration</p><p>ClinicalTrials.gov <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT02556164&Search=Search" target="_blank">NCT02556164</a></p></div

Changes in therapy by indication and result of dopamine transporter imaging.

<p>Abbreviations: PD = Parkinson’s disease; ET = essential tremor; MSA = multiple system atrophy; RLS = restless leg syndrome</p><p>*Start ET treatment (n = 2), adjusting antipsychotic (n = 1), starting neuromodulatory drugs (n = 1)</p><p>Changes in therapy by indication and result of dopamine transporter imaging.</p

Reasons Identified by Participants for Participating in Clinical Research.

<p>Reasons Identified by Participants for Participating in Clinical Research.</p

Discussion topics for FGs.

<p>Discussion topics for FGs.</p

Factors Contributing to Participants’ expectations of the Research Experience positively or negatively.

<p>Factors Contributing to Participants’ expectations of the Research Experience positively or negatively.</p

Changes in gait speed pre- and post-treatment in the intervention group (blue color) and control group (orange color) during single-task habitual, dual-task habitual, single-task fast and dual-task fast walking conditions.

<p>Mean values and standard errors are illustrated. Only the values for those parameters, which achieved statistical significant level were illustrated.</p