Exploring Asymmetric Fine Motor Impairment Trends in Early Parkinson's Disease via Keystroke Typing

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe nQiMechPD algorithm transforms natural typing data into a numerical index that characterizes motor impairment in people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD).ObjectivesUse nQiMechPD to compare asymmetrical progression of PD‐related impairment in dominant (D‐PD) versus non‐dominant side onset (ND‐PD) de‐novo patients.MethodsKeystroke data were collected from 53 right‐handed participants (15 D‐PD, 13 ND‐PD, 25 controls). We apply linear mixed effects modeling to evaluate participants’ right, left, and both hands nQiMechPD relative change by group.ResultsThe 6‐month nQiMechPD trajectories of right (**P = 0.002) and both (*P = 0.043) hands showed a significant difference in nQiMechPD trends between D‐PD and ND‐PD participants. Left side trends were not significantly different between these two groups (P = 0.328).ConclusionsSignificant differences between D‐PD and ND‐PD groups were observed, likely driven by contrasting dominant hand trends. Our findings suggest disease onset side may influence motor impairment progression, medication response, and functional outcomes in PwPD.