Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
11:12
Controlling Parkinson's Disease With Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation
Published on: July 16, 2014
Influence of Online Sessions via a Deep Brain Stimulation Device: Prospective, Single-Arm, Longitudinal,
Ryoma Morigaki1,2,3, Hideo Mure4,5, Kouki Takasuka4
1Department of Advanced Brain Research, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-chou, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan, 81 886337149 ext 3246, 81 886329464.
JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Online sessions are a feasible option for Parkinson disease (PD) patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices, offering convenience without compromising care. However, clinicians should monitor for potential sleep disturbances and ensure patient support for successful remote management.
Area of Science:
- Neuromodulation
- Digital Health
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a key treatment for advanced Parkinson disease (PD).
- Remote programming of DBS devices represents an emerging trend in neuromodulation.
- Evidence for remote sessions in patients with chronically implanted DBS devices is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of online sessions for PD patients with chronically implanted DBS devices.
- To assess if online sessions can reduce patient burden without compromising clinical management.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, single-arm, longitudinal study at two Japanese centers.
- Eighteen PD patients with chronically implanted DBS devices participated.
- Two in-clinic sessions were replaced with online sessions, with clinical assessments conducted at baseline, post-in-clinic, and post-online sessions.
Main Results:
- Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III scores showed no significant differences across assessment types.
- Patient-reported outcomes were comparable between in-clinic and online sessions, except for a significant worsening in "overall sleep."
- Online sessions demonstrated general favorability in usability, with significant time and cost savings per visit.
Conclusions:
- Online sessions present a feasible option for select PD patients with chronically implanted DBS devices.
- These sessions can complement routine follow-up for stable patients, provided adequate support and digital literacy.
- Potential worsening of sleep symptoms and the need for in-person assessments should be considered by clinicians.
