I09 Optical motion sensing device (kinect) to assess motor function in HD—a pilot study

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Motor impairment is an essential milestone in the clinical course of HD and motor age of onset is an important end point in genetic modifier studies. Objective assessment of motor function is therefore an important clinical endpoint. To date motor assessment relies on a clinical rating, ideally through an experienced rater following a standardised clinical scoring system, for example, the UHDRS. However, even under optimal circumstances, this approach is limited by inter- and intrarater variability and subjective error. More automated tools for motor assessment are available but expensive, technically involved and time consuming. <h3>Aims</h3> We sought to determine whether consumer electronic gaming devices (Kinect) can be used to analyse movement disturbances in symptomatic HD patients. <h3>Methods</h3> We used a Kinect developers kit and a custom-made user-interface to record and analyse movements of HD patients and controls in a clinical setting. <h3>Results</h3> Preliminary measurements/data of our pilot study suggest that Kinect device can be useful to objectively analyse chorea in HD patients and possibly other neurologic disorders. <h3>Conclusion</h3> A Kinect device is potentially useful for recording and analysing neurologic movement disorders, including HD.