Assessment of Behavioral Patterns in Parkinson Disease Patients before and after DBS-Surgery

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects 5 million people worldwide and causes impairments in motor and non-motor functions, including tremors, muscle stiffness, bradykinesia, and motor coordination difficulties. While medications can provide symptomatic relief, they can lose effectiveness over time and cause side effects. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a promising treatment option for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease who are experiencing motor complications that are not well controlled with medication. In the present study, five patients with Parkinson’s underwent DBS surgery and were monitored for three weeks before and three weeks after surgery, with the intention of assessing any changes in gait and sleep parameters. To do this, an accelerometer placed on the foot for gait analysis and a ballistocardiographic sensor placed under the bed mattress for sleep analysis were used. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of DBS on motor symptoms and sleep quality in Parkinson’s patients. The results showed an average decrease in cadence (Pre DBS: 58.0 spm ± 4.3 spm; Post DBS: 49.7 spm ± 3.7 spm) and an increase in swing time (Pre DBS: 1.0 s ± 0.08 s; Post DBS: 1.3 s ± 0.2 s), stance time (Pre DBS: 1.1 s ± 0.3 s; Post DBS: 1.4 s ± 0.4 s), and stride time (Pre DBS: 2.1 s ± 0.9 s; Post DBS: 2.6 s ± 1.4 s) Post-DBS. The results also showed an increase in the nightly sleep duration (Pre DBS: 4.4 h ± 2.3 h ; Post DBS: 6.5 h ± 1.1 h), REM sleep (Pre DBS: 69.2 min ± 29.2 min ; Post DBS: 100.4 min ± 10.3 min), and sleep score (Pre DBS: 49.4 ± 24.7 ; Post DBS: 71.6 ± 10.7). No correlations were found between sleep parameters and walking. The present study provides new insights into the impact of DBS on motor symptoms and sleep quality in Parkinson’s patients. The observed changes in gait and sleep parameters suggest that DBS may be an effective treatment option for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease who experience sleep disturbances. Furthermore, the findings suggest potential benefits of combining home monitoring wearable technologies and sensors for long-term patient management.