Three-dimensional computerized analysis of diadochokinetic movements of Parkinsonian patients

Considering the rapid appearance of new pharmaceutical and surgical treatments for Parkinson's disease, a development of quantitative and objective methods for measuring treatment effects is highly warranted. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usability of a computerized movement analysis system in Parkinson's disease patients.

We analysed the effect of L-dopa in a group of 14 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and compared the results to those of 14 control persons. The results were compared to those achieved with the UPDRS, Hoehn & Yahr and Schwab & England Scales, as well as, to time-measured manual testing according to the CAPIT and CAPSIT-PD protocols.

We found that the computerized analysis results correlated well with the findings obtained with traditional scales and manual techniques, and that the computer-analysis had the advantage of delivering more exact and quantitative information not only concerning movement speed but also aspects of movement quality.

We conclude that this form of computerized movement analysis can have an important role in evaluating the effect of treatments, individualizing the therapy, as well as, for diagnostic procedures in patients with Parkinson symptomatology.