Objective Evaluation of Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease via a Dual System of LEAP Motion Controllers

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder clinically characterized by neuromotor symptoms of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Existing quantification methods of PD-related symptoms are largely subjective and rater-dependent, warranting the development of objective device-based assessments. This study introduces a sensitive computerized system of two LEAP Motion Controllers (LMCs) that can be used to quantify neuromotor symptoms in PD patients. The accuracy of the system was evaluated using a series of clinically relevant hand motion tasks, which included finger tapping, hand movements, and pronation/supination. By capturing hand motion from multiple angles, the dual system of LMCs recognizes a broader range of hand positions, therefore increasing data specificity as well as preventing data loss due to line-of-sight obstructions. The use of multi-threading contributed to a high sampling rate of 60 Hz, which allows a complete reconstruction of high-frequency signals essential for recognizing the fast motions associated with postural tremor. Finally, to make the application of the dual system more easily accessible to both patients and clinicians, we developed a GUI and 3D data visualization kit. The dual system of LMCs, which is characterized by precision, objectivity, and ease of use, can become a useful supplement in intraoperative and clinical testing and treatment of PD.