Clinical Tremor Severity Estimation Using an Instrumented Eating Utensil

J Parkinsons Dis. 2017;7(4):755-759. doi: 10.3233/JPD-160929.

Abstract

We demonstrate the feasibility of estimating clinical tremor scores using an eating utensil with motion-sensing and tremor-cancellation technology in thirteen patients with tremor. Three experts scored hand tremor using the modified Fahn- Tolosa-Marin (FTM) scale. A linear model was trained to estimate tremor severity using the recorded motion signals. The average neurologist FTM score was 1.6±0.7 for PD and 2.6±0.7 for ET patients. The average model score was 1.6±0.7 for PD and 2.6±0.6 for ET. Correlation coefficient between the clinical and model tremor scores was 0.91 (p < 0.001). Motion data from an instrumented eating utensil accurately derived tremor ratings enabling practical, objective daily monitoring.

Keywords: Liftwear measurement; Parkinson’s disease; Tremor; essential tremor; non-invasive device.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cooking and Eating Utensils*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / nursing
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tremor / diagnosis*
  • Tremor / nursing*