PD SENSORS version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Pilot Study of Parkinson's Disease Symptom Evaluation in a Naturalistic Setting producing Outcomes measuRes using SPHERE (Sensor Platform for HEalthcare in a Residential Environment) technology
IRAS ID
248415
Contact name
Alan Whone
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol, UK
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and disabling neurodegenerative condition for which there is currently no disease-slowing (or 'disease-modifying') treatment. Disease progression in Parkinson’s disease is primarily measured by clinical rating scales which do not capture the day-to-day fluctuations or assess activities of daily living fully. The limitations of these outcome measures have hampered the ability to conduct successful trials testing possible disease-modifying therapies.
There have been innovations in the use of technology to assess patients with Parkinson’s disease, predominantly with mobile devices. However, there is an EPSRC-funded project in Bristol called SPHERE (Sensor Platform for HEalthcare in a Residential Environment) which could enhance what is currently known. The SPHERE house in Bristol is a two-bedroom fully-furnished house which has been adapted to be used as a home-like living-lab. Various sensors (static and mobile) in the house monitor aspects of real life of people who stay there.
The SPHERE house has the capacity to capture a fuller picture of symptom fluctuations and the context in which they occur.The research team plan to recruit 12 patients with Parkinson’s disease, alongside a partner/carer/family member/friend, to live in the SPHERE house for a week. Participants’ experiences of this technology will be explored. Physical activity, total body movement, sleep, getting out of a chair, and preparing meals are among the activities which are of interest in the process of finding out how the sensors can meaningfully measure Parkinson’s disease.
Accurate and valid outcome measures could reduce the cost and time taken to conduct clinical trials. The development of technology monitoring Parkinson’s disease symptoms also has the potential to empower patients to increase engagement with their health and improve the doctor-patient relationship.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
19/WA/0051
Date of REC Opinion
1 Apr 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion