Analysis of static postural control in Parkinson's disease using wearable sensors: a comparison between fallers and non-fallers

• Grant number: 25/05876-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Victor Spiandor Beretta
• Grantee: Rute Vieira e Magalhães Rodrigues
• Supervisor: Rodrigo Vitorio
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Northumbria University, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/14387-6 - Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on postural response in people with Parkinson's disease with and without falls occurrence, BP.IC

Abstract

Changes in static postural control are among the main causes of falls in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). These changes are especially evident in challenging situations, such as those involving the modulation of sensory information (e.g., restricted vision or somatosensory information). Postural sway assessment is usually performed using force plates. Due to the high cost of these devices, studies using low-cost and mobile assessments, such as the wearable sensors system, have been shown to provide objective measurements of motor features. Therefore, the present study aims to compare the static postural control of PwPD fallers and non-fallers during challenging tasks. This study will use existing data, collected in previous projects of the Physiotherapy Innovation Lab (Northumbria University). Eighty PwPD fallers and non-fallers will be included. Six wearable sensors positioned on the sternum, lumbar, and bilaterally on wrists and feet will used to assess the static postural control during posture maintenance tasks in the bipedal position (i.e., in an upright position with feet hip-width apart). Four conditions will be conducted: eyes open on a stable surface (EOfirm), eyes closed on a stable surface (ECfirm), eyes open on an unstable surface (EOfoam), and eyes closed on an unstable surface (ECfoam). Three 30-second trials were performed for all conditions. Parameters such as the Sway Root mean square (RMS), Sway Jerk, and Sway Velocity, each one in AP and ML directions, and the postural sway area will be analyzed. Data will be analyzed through two-way ANOVA with factors for group (fallers vs. non-fallers) and conditions (EOfirm vs. ECfirm vs. EOfoam vs. ECfoam) with repeated measures for conditions.