van Beek JJW1, van Wegen EEH2, Bohlhalter S1, Vanbellingen T1
1Luzerner Kantonsspital, Neurocenter, Lucerne, Switzerland, 2VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Background: Many patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer from impaired dexterity, which impacts activities of daily living and quality of life (QoL). The Leap Motion Controller (LMC) combines video game-based training with augmented virtual reality.
Purpose: The aim of the present pilot study was to comprehensively evaluate the feasibility of a dexterity training program using the LMC, in patients with PD.
Methods: Ten patients with PD (aged between 55-75 years, Hoehn and Yahr stage II-IV) trained over a period of four weeks, twice a week for 30 minutes. Baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1) assessments were done. Primary outcomes with respect to feasibility were the compliance rate, open-end questions, the level of participation (Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale) and the usability (System Usability Scale). Dexterous function was measured with the Nine Hole Peg Test and the Dexterity Questionnaire 24. Upper limb motor impairment was assessed by a modified version of the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III. Finally, QoL was assessed by the Parkinson's disease questionnaire 39.
Results: Compliance rate was 99%, motivation increased significantly from 3.9 to 4.8 (PRPS, p=0.03) and system usability of the LMC system was acceptable to very good. Regarding potential efficacy, patients with impaired dexterity at T0, significantly improved in dexterity (Nine Hole Peg Test) and QoL (PDQ-39, both p 0.05)).
Conclusion(s): The present pilot study suggests that video game-based LMC dexterity training in PD is feasible and has potential to improve dexterity.
Implications: Its efficacy should now be investigated in a properly powered randomized controlled trial.
Keywords: Parkinson's disease, dexterity, Leap Motion Controller
Funding acknowledgements: The Jacques and Gloria Gossweiler Foundation
Purpose: The aim of the present pilot study was to comprehensively evaluate the feasibility of a dexterity training program using the LMC, in patients with PD.
Methods: Ten patients with PD (aged between 55-75 years, Hoehn and Yahr stage II-IV) trained over a period of four weeks, twice a week for 30 minutes. Baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1) assessments were done. Primary outcomes with respect to feasibility were the compliance rate, open-end questions, the level of participation (Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale) and the usability (System Usability Scale). Dexterous function was measured with the Nine Hole Peg Test and the Dexterity Questionnaire 24. Upper limb motor impairment was assessed by a modified version of the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III. Finally, QoL was assessed by the Parkinson's disease questionnaire 39.
Results: Compliance rate was 99%, motivation increased significantly from 3.9 to 4.8 (PRPS, p=0.03) and system usability of the LMC system was acceptable to very good. Regarding potential efficacy, patients with impaired dexterity at T0, significantly improved in dexterity (Nine Hole Peg Test) and QoL (PDQ-39, both p 0.05)).
Conclusion(s): The present pilot study suggests that video game-based LMC dexterity training in PD is feasible and has potential to improve dexterity.
Implications: Its efficacy should now be investigated in a properly powered randomized controlled trial.
Keywords: Parkinson's disease, dexterity, Leap Motion Controller
Funding acknowledgements: The Jacques and Gloria Gossweiler Foundation
Topic: Neurology: Parkinson's disease
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: The Jacques and Gloria Gossweiler Foundation
Ethics committee: Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz (EKNZ)
Ethics number: 2016-02187
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
