Innovation in Biomechanical Analysis for Neurological Disorders
In the world of clinical research, precision in movement measurement is crucial for developing new diagnoses and treatments. The Duke University School of Medicine has successfully integrated the ISEN solution from STT Systems into its clinical research laboratory since 2022, revolutionizing the way they evaluate patients with neurological disorders.
The Challenge: Accurately Differentiating Patients with Dystonia
Dr. Noreen Bukhari-Parlakturk’s team, led by Dr. Bukhari-Parlakturk, a renowned researcher and assistant professor at Duke’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, faced a significant challenge. They were working with patients suffering from a wide array of neurological conditions, and they needed a tool that could not only measure movement but also differentiate between subtle variations that are characteristic of specific disorders. In particular, dystonia, a complex and often misunderstood neurological disorder marked by involuntary muscle contractions, proved to be especially difficult to diagnose accurately. The lack of precise, objective measures for assessing such conditions made it a constant challenge to evaluate patient progress and develop effective treatment plans. Dr. Bukhari-Parlakturk’s team understood that without reliable movement analysis, their ability to assess and treat patients effectively would remain limited, necessitating the use of the most advanced technologies available.
What is Dystonia?
Dystonia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that can be continuous or intermittent, resulting in abnormal and repetitive movements, often painful. These movements, which include twisting and abnormal postures, occur due to the simultaneous contraction of agonist and antagonist muscles. It can affect a single muscle, a group of muscles, or even all the muscles in the body.
In its early stages, dystonic movements typically appear when performing voluntary actions (action dystonia) and are relatively controllable. However, over time, dystonia can also manifest at rest, causing dystonic postures, joint deformities, and pain. Additionally, symptoms may include tremors, difficulty speaking, or dragging a foot.
Dystonia can affect any part of the body, and its onset varies depending on the age of symptom appearance. In adults, the most common forms affect the face and neck (focal dystonias), without a progressive course. On the other hand, dystonia that begins in childhood typically first affects the lower extremities and, over time, spreads to other areas of the body, becoming generalized dystonia. This type of dystonia is usually genetically inherited, although in some cases, it can be triggered by another disease. In some patients, the disease progresses over time, while in others, the symptoms remain mild.
The Solution: ISEN as a Biomechanical Analysis Platform
ISEN, developed by STT Systems, provides a suite of motion capture tools, reporting capabilities, and access to normative data, enabling researchers to objectively quantify and analyze patient movement. Thanks to its ease of use and adaptability, Duke University’s team has seamlessly integrated this technology into their clinical workflow to enhance patient assessments for movement disorders.
Results: More Accurate and Reliable Diagnoses
Preliminary results have demonstrated that ISEN can distinguish patients with dystonia from those without the condition with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for more reliable diagnoses and strong intra-subject reliability. Duke’s research team is currently preparing a scientific article to publish their findings, further validating ISEN as an effective diagnostic tool.
Discover a new way to understand movement
Duke University’s case is a clear example of how ISEN can transform research and clinical practice in the field of movement disorders. If you want to learn how this technology can benefit your research or clinic, contact us today and request a demonstration.
