# Research Project 4 will develop novel, objective, and passive measures of Parkinson disease features

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 2021 · $430,186

## Abstract

SUMMARY
New sensing devices can generate objective, frequent, sensitive assessments of PD. However, many devices,
like smartphones, require individuals to complete activities. Because PD, unlike colon cancer, for example, has
clear external features (e.g., slow gait, frequent sleep interruptions), it is well suited for passive assessment.
In Research Project 4, we will evaluate three leading technologies to assess PD principally (but not
exclusively) through passive means. These technologies include wearable sensors that can measure motor
and autonomic function, a video analytical tool that can measure elements of the standard PD motor
examination, and an “invisible” radio wave sensing tool that can assess the natural history of PD in the home.
These three tools will enhance our understanding and generate objective measures of PD that can be used to
accelerate therapeutic development and improve care.
The first project will examine a wearable sensor that has embedded accelerometers, gyroscope, and ECG
capabilities to assess function inside and outside the clinic. In one of the largest PD sensor studies, we will
seek to confirm and extend findings that individuals with PD exhibit distinct diurnal activity patterns from
controls (e.g., lie down more, walk less), evaluate autonomic function, and in partnership with the University of
Michigan's Udall Center, explore whether gait function is worse in individuals with a hypocholinergic state.
The second project will evaluate a recently developed video analytics tool that applies machine learning
algorithms to evaluate motor assessments (e.g., facial expression, finger tapping) that are routinely assessed
through the motor portion the MDS-UPDRS to see if these assessments, conducted without an investigator,
can differentiate those with PD from those without and correlate with traditional assessments.
The third project will evaluate motor and non-motor function of individuals with PD in their homes using a novel
radio wave sensing device. This device can assess existing measures (e.g., gait speed, respiratory rate) and
novel measures (e.g., path tortuosity, time alone) that will provide novel insights into the disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10242060
- **Project number:** 5P50NS108676-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Earl Ray Dorsey
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $430,186
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10242060

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10242060, Research Project 4 will develop novel, objective, and passive measures of Parkinson disease features (5P50NS108676-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10242060. Licensed CC0.

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