Objective:

The present research examines a novel non-invasive vibrotactile device which stimulates fingertips in a pattern aiming to disrupt pathological physiological beta-band oscillations associated with motor symptoms, particularly bradykinesia, of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Specifically, we assess whether the therapy reduces symptoms of bradykinesia compared to a sham control of general vibrotactile (VT) stimulation.

Background:

The paucity of movements in PD may reflect an abnormal stabilization of motor plans, seen in the motor stabilization hypothesis of the beta-band physiological rhythm (15-30 Hz). Recent modeling work shows stimulation provided in a pattern referred to as coordinated reset (CR) can disrupt the pathological oscillations that outlasts the stimulation. Preliminary work shows that CR therapy, delivered as vibrotactile stimulation to the fingertips of both hands, appears to reduce bradykinesia symptoms. The prior findings, however, are limited to small samples and do not include placebo control. Here, we report the results of a study wherein 21 PD participants underwent CR vibrotactile (VT) therapy and sham VT stimulation, with movement assessment after each experimental arm.

Design/Methods:

Twenty-one PD participants (Hoehn-Yahr 2-4) underwent active CR VT and placebo VT treatment for two months each. Treatment consists of wearing a VT glove that provides stimulation for four hours daily. The study design is a double-blind, random crossover with movement assessed at the end of each arm using an instrumented version of MDS- UPDRS Part III.

Results:

PD patients exhibit statistically significant reductions in bradykinesia scores after CR VT therapy. However, bradykinesia scores were not significantly affected by general VT therapy. 

Conclusions:

The present findings replicate and build on prior CR VT therapy studies that  used small samples and no placebo control. VT therapy represents a promising non-invasive therapy. Importantly, the principle of VT therapy suggests that therapeutic benefits outlast stimulation and may have potential for sustained long-term outcomes.