Multidimensional Assessment of Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: Development and Structure Validation of a Self-Assessment Questionnaire.

(1) Background: Several instruments are used to assess individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, most instruments necessitate the physical presence of a clinician for evaluation, were not designed for PD, nor validated for remote application. (2) Objectives: To develop and validate a self-assessment questionnaire that can be used remotely, and to assess the respondents' health condition. (3) Methods: A questionnaire, so-called Multidimensional Assessment Questionnaire for Individuals with PD (MAQPD), was developed, administered remotely, and completed by 302 people with PD. MAQPD was validated using factor analysis (FA). The participants' level of impairment was estimated using factor loadings. The scale's accuracy was assessed estimating floor and ceiling effects and Cronbach's alpha. (4) Results: FA suggested classifying the questions into daily activities, cognition, and pain. The respondents did not have extremely severe impairment (most scores ranged from 100 to 180 points), and the factors with the lowest scores were cognition and pain. The instrument had no significant floor or ceiling effects (rates less than 15%), and the Cronbach's alpha value was larger than 0.90. (5) Conclusion: MAQPD is the only remote self-administered tool found in the literature capable of providing a detailed assessment of the general health status of individuals with PD.

Wrist Rigidity Evaluation in Parkinson's Disease: A Scoping Review.

(1) Background: One of the main cardinal signs of Parkinson's disease (PD) is rigidity, whose assessment is important for monitoring the patient's recovery. The wrist is one of the joints most affected by this symptom, which has a great impact on activities of daily living and consequently on quality of life. The assessment of rigidity is traditionally made by clinical scales, which have limitations due to their subjectivity and low intra- and inter-examiner reliability. (2) Objectives: To compile the main methods used to assess wrist rigidity in PD and to study their validity and reliability, a scope review was conducted. (3) Methods: PubMed, IEEE/IET Electronic Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Bireme, Google Scholar and Science Direct databases were used. (4) Results: Twenty-eight studies were included. The studies presented several methods for quantitative assessment of rigidity using instruments such as force and inertial sensors. (5) Conclusions: Such methods present good correlation with clinical scales and are useful for detecting and monitoring rigidity. However, the development of a standard quantitative method for assessing rigidity in clinical practice remains a challenge.

Alternative communication systems for people with severe motor disabilities: a survey.

We have now sufficient evidence that using electrical biosignals in the field of Alternative and Augmented Communication is feasible. Additionally, they are particularly suitable in the case of people with severe motor impairment, e.g. people with high-level spinal cord injury or with locked-up syndrome. Developing solutions for them implies that we find ways to use sensors that fit the user's needs and limitations, which in turn impacts the specifications of the system translating the user's intentions into commands. After devising solutions for a given user or profile, the system should be evaluated with an appropriate method, allowing a comparison with other solutions. This paper submits a review of the way three bioelectrical signals--electromyographic, electrooculographic and electroencephalographic--have been utilised in alternative communication with patients suffering severe motor restrictions. It also offers a comparative study of the various methods applied to measure the performance of AAC systems.

ViEW: A wheelchair simulator for driving analysis.

The powered wheelchair (PW) has become an essential mobility assistive technology for people with motor disabilities. A critical step involved in maximizing the end-user experience is evaluating individual functional abilities. Using powered wheelchair simulation for driving analysis offers flexibility for safely evaluating the individual's driving performance in a variable environment and situations ranging in difficulty. Additionally, it makes it possible to measure numerous variables involved in the driving process. The main objectives of this pilot study were to assess PW users' outdoor driving abilities to study how the simulator can improve outdoor driving task performance, and to define new objective criteria for evaluating the overall driving process. The study presented involved a group of 12 children and young adults diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Simulations were conducted using ViEW (Virtual Electrical Wheelchair), a 3D wheelchair simulator designed in our laboratory. A customized virtual environment was designed to immerse the user in a life-like driving experience. We used the data collected on the simulator to define driving skills indicators. The acquired skills during simulations were transferable to on-road wheelchair driving. The participants' performance indicators produced positive results. Computed performance indicators can be a valuable decision-making tool for occupational therapists.