two solutions. In the case of the headset, a number of
different algorithms were used in order to improve
recognition of the gait features. In the paper, we
discussed results regarding the recognition of the
block state, regular and irregular steps, trunk
oscillations obtained with an artificial neural network.
For the system with sensors on the shins we used an
algorithm filtering and processing in real time the
angular velocities of the two legs. This gives excellent
recognition of the irregularities of each step and
detects even barely perceptible tremors in all the
monitored PD patients, allowing distinguishing
doubtless between the voluntary stop state and the
involuntary block due to the FOG. Further
optimization and simplification of the detection
algorithm can be achieved by better manipulating the
quaternions representation of the limbs.
The headset has advantages in terms emphasized
sensitivity to trunk oscillations, easy wearability and
direct auditory feedback. This implies an excellent
detection of specific typologies of motion disorders,
and makes the system compact and energy efficient
since gives the audio-feedback without any
wired/wireless connection. Unfortunately, PD
patients feature a great variety of postural problems
and irregular movements in all the sections of the
body, and the system suffers from the presence of a
joint (the neck) which can mix (or hide part of) the
signals, making the information extremely "noisy"
and confused, thus introducing false positive and
false negative outputs. For this reason, the headset
can be better employed for other types of motion
disorders, as in the case of temporary orthopedics
ones.
The other device requires an additional device in
the ear for the audio-feedback, but guarantees the best
performances presented in literature to date in terms
of sensitivity, specificity, precision and accuracy in
the detection of the FOG events. The system was
validated on a population of sixteen patients of
different age, sex and stage of the disease.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authors thank the patients for credit and forbearance,
and STMicroelectronics for providing the NeMEMSi
boards.
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