Sensorimotor Network Segregation Predicts Long-Term Learning of Writing Skills in Parkinson's Disease.

The prediction of motor learning in Parkinson's disease (PD) is vastly understudied. Here, we investigated which clinical and neural factors predict better long-term gains after an intensive 6-week motor learning program to ameliorate micrographia. We computed a composite score of learning through principal component analysis, reflecting better writing accuracy on a tablet in single and dual task conditions.

A smartphone-based tapping task as a marker of medication response in Parkinson's disease: a proof of concept study.

Tapping tasks have the potential to distinguish between ON-OFF fluctuations in Parkinson's disease (PD) possibly aiding assessment of medication status in e-diaries and research. This proof of concept study aims to assess the feasibility and accuracy of a smartphone-based tapping task (developed as part of the cloudUPDRS-project) to discriminate between ON-OFF used in the home setting without supervision. 32 PD patients performed the task before their first medication intake, followed by two test sessions after 1 and 3 h.

Assessment of movement disorders using wearable sensors during upper limb tasks: A scoping review.

Studies aiming to objectively quantify movement disorders during upper limb tasks using wearable sensors have recently increased, but there is a wide variety in described measurement and analyzing methods, hampering standardization of methods in research and clinics. Therefore, the primary objective of this review was to provide an overview of sensor set-up and type, included tasks, sensor features and methods used to quantify movement disorders during upper limb tasks in multiple pathological populations. The secondary objective was to identify the most sensitive sensor features for the detection and quantification of movement disorders on the one hand and to describe the clinical application of the proposed methods on the other hand.

Associations between resting-state functional connectivity changes and prolonged benefits of writing training in Parkinson's disease.

Background: Our earlier work showed that automaticity and retention of writing skills improved with intensive writing training in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, whether this training changed the resting-state networks in the brain and how these changes underlie retention of motor learning is currently unknown.

Objective: To examine changes in resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) and their relation to behavioral changes immediately after writing training and at 6 week follow-up.

A systematic review on exercise and training-based interventions for freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease.

Freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) causes severe patient burden despite pharmacological management. Exercise and training are therefore advocated as important adjunct therapies. In this meta-analysis, we assess the existing evidence for such interventions to reduce FOG, and further examine which type of training helps the restoration of gait function in particular.

Impaired Touchscreen Skills in Parkinson's Disease and Effects of Medication.

Background: Deficits in fine motor skills may impair device manipulation including touchscreens in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objectives: To investigate the impact of PD and anti-parkinsonian medication on the ability to use touchscreens.

Methods: Twelve PD patients (H&Y II-III), OFF and ON medication, and 12 healthy controls (HC) performed tapping, single and multi-direction sliding tasks on a touchscreen and a mobile phone task (MPT).