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Freezing of gait (FOG) is a debilitating symptom of Parkinson disease (PD). It is episodic and variable in nature, making assessment difficult. Wearable sensors used in conjunction with specialized algorithms, such as our group's pFOG algorithm, provide objective data to better understand this phenomenon. While these methods are effective at detecting FOG retrospectively, more work is needed. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the existing pFOG algorithm can be refined to improve the detection and prediction of FOG. To accomplish this goal, previously collected data were utilized to assess the prediction ability of the current algorithm, the potency of each FOG assessment task(s) for eliciting FOG, and the maintenance of detection accuracy when modifying the sampling rate. Results illustrate that the algorithm was able to predict upcoming FOG episodes, but false positive rates were high. The Go Out and Turn-Dual Task was most potent for eliciting FOG, and the 360-Dual Task elicited the longest duration of FOG. The detection accuracy of the pFOG algorithm was maintained at a sampling rate of 60 Hz but significantly worse at 30 Hz. This work is an important step in refining the pFOG algorithm for improved clinical utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) experience a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms, but little is known about how these symptoms are related to one another. It is important to characterize the deficits present and explore the relationships among these symptoms in order to provide high quality clinical care. Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize gait, balance, and physical activity level in individuals with HD and explore the relationships among motor and non-motor symptoms. Methods: Individuals completed one lab visit and wore a sensor for seven days to capture physical activity level. During the lab visit, gait, balance, and cognitive status were assessed using validated measures. A 2 × 2 ANOVA (Group×Condition) was used to assess differences in gait between individuals with HD vs. controls, while t-tests were used for other clinical measures. Correlations as well as a mixed effects model explored relationships among clinical measures in the HD group. Results: Individuals with HD walk significantly slower and have significantly worse balance than controls. Gait velocity and balance were significantly correlated with cognitive status in individuals with HD. Additionally, balance performance and balance confidence were not significantly correlated, indicating that there may be a lack of self-awareness of deficits present in individuals with HD. In-lab measures were not significant predictors of physical activity. Conclusions: Motor impairments in individuals with HD are correlated with cognitive impairment. Clinicians should be aware of the impact of cognitive impairment when selecting interventions to address motor symptoms in individuals with HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been increasing research on the impact of dance as a therapeutic intervention and alternative exercise for improving physical health and psychosocial outcomes. Prior reviews center on specific populations, such as those living with Parkinson’s disease or older adults, but few center on a specific dance style such as classical ballet. This review aims to synthesize the current literature on classical ballet as a therapeutic intervention for novices and analyze its effects on movement outcomes, perceived value, and other health outcomes to inform future research directions. In total, 23 articles were identified using PubMed and Scopus from inception through March 2022; 14 that met the inclusion criteria are discussed in this review. Altogether, the literature is extremely mixed–spanning different populations, intervention protocols, doses, and measurement tools–making comparisons difficult. Overall, classical ballet appears to be a safe and feasible intervention for multiple populations. Engaging in classical ballet may be associated with improvements in balance and postural control and has a high perceived value among participants and instructors, but the evidence is limited and of poor quality. Rigorous research is required to provide stronger, more credible evidence on the potential value of classical ballet as a therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]