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Smartphone applications for Movement Disorders: Towards collaboration and re-use
Ilse H J Willemse1, Sabine Schootemeijer1, Robin van den Bergh1
1Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders
|January 6, 2024
Summary
Mobile apps for movement disorders are numerous but lack an overview. This review classifies 113 apps, finding most target Parkinson's disease and motor symptoms, with many in early development stages.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Digital Health
- Medical Technology
Background:
- A wide array of smartphone and tablet applications (apps) exist for monitoring movement disorders.
- A comprehensive overview of their specific purposes and developmental stages is currently lacking.
Approach:
- Systematic literature search for apps monitoring movement disorders up to November 22nd, 2023.
- Classification based on target population, measured domains, purpose, and technology readiness level (TRL).
- App availability in common app stores was also assessed.
Key Points:
- 113 apps were identified, predominantly for Parkinson's disease (73%) and general movement disorders (15%).
- Primary functions include symptom assessment (58%), treatment support (19%), diagnosis aid (14%), and passive tracking (10%).
- Commonly assessed motor domains are gait (32%), fine motor skills (30%), and tremor (28%); non-motor assessment includes cognition (14%).
- Most apps are proof-of-concepts (TRL 1-3, 23%) or tested in controlled settings (TRL 4-6, 56%).
- 24 apps reached higher TRLs (7-9), with 10 available in app stores.
Conclusions:
- App development heavily focuses on Parkinson's disease and specific motor symptoms.
- Further collaboration and development of existing apps are recommended to prevent redundant efforts.
