Bayreuth. Sensors in clothing, in combination with an algorithm, can simplify the diagnosis of diseases that cause changes in movement behavior. About Two Case Studies of Friedreich’s Ataxia (Night With 2023; online 19 January) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy reported on Monday from the University of Bayreuth (Night With 2023; online 19 January).
For the case studies, the research groups used sensors built into clothing that register the everyday body movements of sick people. An algorithm processes the signals and brings them into an overall context.
Digital biomarkers superior to established methods
The University of Bayreuth reports that this new algorithm system can identify characteristic movement patterns that are so small that they remain invisible even to experienced neurologists. From a diagnostic point of view, these digital biomarkers are already superior to the established clinical methods for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases, and the diagnosis of the disease is regarding twice as fast.
In addition, the algorithm can predict the further course of the disease with high accuracy. “Once a therapy has started, our biomarkers can help to check its effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments,” says Professor Aldo Faisal from the University of Bayreuth. (eb)
