Objective: This research examines a novel non-invasive vibrotactile device which stimulates fingertips in a pattern aiming to disrupt pathological physiological beta-band oscillations believed to be associated with motor symptoms, particularly bradykinesia, of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Specifically, we assess whether a Coordinated Reset protocol designed by Dr. Peter Tass reduces symptoms of bradykinesia compared to a low-frequency vibrotactile (VT) stimulation.

Background: The paucity of movements in PD may reflect 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 (VT) stimulation to the fingertips of both hands, appears to reduce bradykinesia symptoms. The prior findings are limited to small samples and do not include placebo control. Here, we report results of a study where 21 PD participants underwent CR VT therapy and low-frequency VT stimulation protocol and assessments of their movement after each experimental arm.

Method: Twenty-one PD participants (Hoehn-Yahr 2-4) underwent active CR VT and low-frequency VT treatment for two months each. Treatment consists of wearing a VT glove that provides stimulation for a total of four hours daily. The study design is a double-blind, crossover (order randomly determined) with movement assessed at the end of each arm using MDS- UPDRS Part III as the outcome measure.

Results: PD patients exhibit statistically significant reductions in hand bradykinesia and in speed and rhythm of hand movements with CR therapy. Relative to baseline we see improvement in speed and rhythm of hand movements with CR, either significant or trending to significance. Overall bradykinesia is improved with coordinated reset VT therapy, with hand bradykinesia specifically being significant. Low-frequency VT therapy improved leg bradykinesia, gait, and hand movement speed, but not significantly.

Conclusion: The present findings replicate and build on prior CR VT therapy studies that have used small samples and no placebo control. We also found that low-frequency VT therapy showed signs of efficacy, suggesting that VT stimulation may provide general benefits

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/a-comparison-of-coordinated-reset-and-low-frequency-vibrotactile-stimulation-for-the-treatment-of-parkinsons-symptoms/