After presenting our study on gait over an unstable platform (read about it here), another research project supported by MerloBioEngineering was accepted for an oral presentation at the SIAMOC 2025 Congress in Cagliari, October 1-4.
Do different etiologies imply different outcomes?
Dr. Andrea Merlo presented this second contribution. The study was made possible through collaboration with several Italian hospitals, particularly with the Movement Analysis Lab of the Azienda USL-IRCCS directed by Dr. Isabella Campanini, the Neurology Unit, and Dr. Francesco Cavallieri.
We included a sample of 25 patients with Parkinson’s Disease carrying the GBA mutation (GBA-PD) and 23 patients without the mutation (NM-PD). Each subject performed the instrumented Timed Up & Go (iTUG) test in three different conditions: Off-medication, On-medication, On-medication with a cognitive dual task. From each trial, we extracted a wide range of outcome measures, such as durations, accelerations, and angular velocities. We also segmented the iTUG into its sub-phases: sit-to-stand, walking, turning, walking back, and sit-down. Data were analyzed using generalized mixed models.
The results showed no significant effect of the GBA mutation on the overall iTUG duration across any of the three conditions. However, we observed that the dual-task condition had a detrimental impact on iTUG execution in some individuals, regardless of their etiology.
The added value of instrumental assessment
Even though etiology didn’t seem to influence iTUG duration, the study still revealed valuable insights. The use of instrumented assessments, such as iTUG with wearable inertial sensors, proved effective in identifying individuals particularly affected by dual-task interference. These patients may otherwise go unnoticed through traditional clinical evaluation. Such individuals are likely to be at higher risk of falls and could benefit from targeted interventions.
Presenting months of dedicated research at national congresses is always a source of pride for us. It’s not only about sharing results—it’s an opportunity to challenge ourselves, engage with fellow experts, and open new pathways for innovation and collaboration.
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