Abstract
To improve motor function and symptoms, people with Parkinson’s (PwP) take dopaminergic medication. Wearable technology (WT) can provide objective and continuous insights of medication effects in PwP. This review aims to identify previous research which uses WT to quantify the effect of medication on motor function and symptoms in PwP. Nine databases were searched between January 2000-2023; sixty-eight studies were included. Study quality was assessed using Downs and Black quality appraisal tool. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Across the included studies, medication effect on 13 motor functions/symptoms was assessed, with medication improving gait speed, step length, tremor, dyskinesia, and bradykinesia, but impairing balance. Most studies were performed in controlled environments, exploring short-term medication effects (e.g., one hour), and fifty-one different WTs were placed across twenty locations on the body. To facilitate more granular insights for PwP, future research should explore continuous effects of medication in real-world settings and define gold-standard protocols.
Trial Registration: PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022310018