Impaired bed mobility: quantitative torque analysis with axial inertial sensors

Abstract

Difficulty in turning in bed is rated as the most troublesome night-time symptom among Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Aim: To develop a practical objective method for home assessment of a patient’s ability to turn in bed. Methods: Nocturnal parameters and torque of self-turning in bed from 17 PD couples were assessed and compared using a wearable axial sensor for two nights in their homes. Results: The torque of axial rotation which indicates the ability of PD patients to turn in bed was significantly less than their spouses (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between the torque of turning in bed and total unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale score (r = 0.71; p = 0.001), and total Nocturnal Akinesia Dystonia and Cramp score (r = 0.634; p = 0.006). Conclusion: Our study confirms a decreased ability in turning in PD.