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Study uses Microsoft Xbox sensors to monitor Parkinson’s symptoms

A study by researchers at the University of Miami, US, is using video game technology to help doctors gain a better understanding of Parkinson’s. As part of the research, study participants take part in a 12-week resistance and power training programme. Researchers then use a sensing device – originally designed by Microsoft for the use of Xbox video games – to track the balance and walking patterns of participants, as well as any changes in their symptoms. Researchers believe the results of the study will improve doctors’ understanding of how Parkinson’s medications affect motor function. Joseph Signorile, professor of kinesiology and sport sciences at the University of Miami, said: “In the future this could be in the patient’s home and the physician can monitor their progress. Imagine what this means for someone who lives in a suburban or rural area.”

Monkey study could lead to new Parkinson’s therapies

Scientists at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, US, are using marmosets – a small monkey species that can mimic the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s – to better understand brain changes caused by the condition. The study – published in science journal ‘PLOS ONE’ – induced the monkeys with Parkinson’s motor symptoms such as tremors and used devices similar to Fitbits to monitor their activities. Researchers hope that further analysis will lead to new therapies for people living with the condition. Marcel Daadi, associate scientist at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute and lead author of the study, said: “There are some complex aspects of this disease you simply cannot investigate using rodents in a way that is relevant to human patients. “Nonhuman primates are critical in [this] aspect because we can see these symptoms clearly whether it is the dyskinesia (abnormality or impairment of voluntary movements), or the sleep…

Researchers discover brain network linked to chronic pain in Parkinson’s

Researchers at a French university claim to have discovered the brain network linked to pain in Parkinson’s – called the subthalamic nucleus. People with Parkinson’s who have been treated with deep brain stimulation in this part of the brain have reported reduced symptoms of pain. In a study – published in the science journal eLife – the researchers used electrical signals to stimulate the subthalamic nucleus of rats. They found that healthy rats showed signs of discomfort faster than rats with a damaged subthalamic nucleus. The results also identified the brain pathway through which pain signals travel. Veronique Coizet, senior author of the study, said: “Further experiments are now needed to fully characterise the effects (of) deep brain stimulation on this brain region in our experimental models, with a view to finding ways to optimise it as a treatment for pain caused by Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases.” The researchers…

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Study uses Microsoft Xbox sensors to monitor Parkinson’s symptoms

Monkey study could lead to new Parkinson’s therapies

Researchers discover brain network linked to chronic pain in Parkinson’s

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Study uses Microsoft Xbox sensors to monitor Parkinson’s symptoms

Monkey study could lead to new Parkinson’s therapies

Researchers discover brain network linked to chronic pain in Parkinson’s

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