Video-Based Assessment of Rigidity in Parkinson’s Disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Video based Assessment of Rigidity in Parkinson's disease: A correlation study with formal physical assessment and carer testing
IRAS ID
351654
Contact name
Tabish Saifee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northwick Park Hospital
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Remote assessment of Parkinson's disease is an area of great interest to facilitate assessment of patients unable to attend clinic and in the context of clinical trials. Solutions exist for some motor features of Parkinson's, such as tremor but very few solutions exist for the motor features, rigidity, apart from using specialist equipment.
This research aims to explore whether video recordings can provide a reliable and practical way to assess rigidity in people with Parkinson’s disease. Rigidity, or muscle stiffness, is a key symptom of Parkinson’s disease and is usually evaluated in person by a neurologist during a physical examination. However, this approach can be challenging for patients who live far from specialist centers, have mobility issues, or require frequent assessments.
In this study, we will compare the traditional in-person assessment of rigidity with evaluations made from video recordings of the same patients. During a routine clinic visit, a neurologist will assess each patient’s arm movements to determine the level of rigidity. This process will be video recorded, with no additional tests or procedures beyond standard care. The anonymised videos will then be reviewed by a panel of neurologists who specialise in movement disorders. These experts, unaware of the results of the original in-person assessments, will assign their own rigidity scores based on the videos.
The study’s main goal is to determine whether video-based assessments are as accurate and reliable as face-to-face evaluations. If successful, this method could make it easier to assess patients remotely, improving access to care for those in underserved areas or with limited mobility. It could also reduce the costs of large-scale clinical trials by allowing assessments to be conducted without requiring travel.
By validating this approach, the study aims to improve telemedicine and expand access to high-quality care and research opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0930
Date of REC Opinion
13 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion