Using mHealth Technology to Monitor People with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex disorder that presents both motor and nonmotor symptoms, impacting their physical performance, functional independence, and overall quality of life. The integration of mobile health (mHealth) technologies has emerged as a crucial asset in the ongoing monitoring and management of individuals with PD. Among the various mHealth tools, accelerometers have proven indispensable for their ability to precisely measure activity levels and gait patterns. Smartphone applications play a pivotal role in remote monitoring, offering a means to adjust therapeutic interventions and providing valuable data for rehabilitation planning beyond clinical settings. Despite challenges in accurately measuring step count at lower speeds, recent reviews underscore the promise of specific wearables and smartphone applications in reliably monitoring gait and mobility in PD. Moreover, these technological applications extend their utility to tracking motor symptoms, with tremor emerging as the most frequently monitored aspect. People with PD express satisfaction with discreet and small mHealth devices, appreciating their accessibility and cost-effectiveness. In summary, the widespread use of mHealth devices, encompassing accelerometers and smartphone applications, represents a transformative approach to PD management. This not only enhances rehabilitation strategies but also empowers patients to monitor themselves. Looking ahead, it is imperative for future research to prioritize user-friendliness and explore integrated technologies, potentially revolutionizing the landscape of PD care. This chapter explores mHealth applications for monitoring various aspects of PD, emphasizing its role in enhancing clinical decision-making and improving the overall management of individuals with PD.