Systematic review of wearables assessing medication effect on motor function and symptoms in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

To improve motor function and symptoms, people with Parkinson’s (PwP) typically take dopaminergic medication. In PwP, wearable technology (WT) can provide objective insights into medication effect. This review aims to identify and explore literature which uses WT to quantify the effect of medication on motor function and symptoms in PwP (PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022310018). Nine databases were searched between January 2000-October 2024. Downs and Black quality appraisal assessed study quality. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Amongst the seventy-nine included studies, 50 different WTs were placed across 20 locations on the body, and medication effect was monitored on 13 different motor functions/symptoms. There was great heterogeneity amongst protocols, but many studies were performed in controlled environments, exploring short-term medication effects (ON vs OFF). Medication effect varied, improving certain variables, and having no effect on others. Future research should identify gold-standard protocols to explore medication effect in real-world settings, over prolonged periods. Registration and Protocol PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022310018.