Using activity trackers and computer vision to assess Parkinson's disease symptoms remotely
Official title: Remote monitoring using commercially available activity trackers and computer vision provides a holistic, low-cost assessment of Parkinson’s disease symptoms
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11166500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using fitness trackers and cameras can help keep an eye on symptoms for people with Parkinson's disease, making it easier for those in rural areas to get the care they need from home.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $122,082 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AG084844-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11166500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or those showing early signs of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease or those who are unable to use technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how remote monitoring through commercially available activity trackers and computer vision can provide a comprehensive assessment of symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. By utilizing wearable devices and automated assessments of fine motor skills and speech, the study aims to detect and measure both cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms. The goal is to improve access to care, especially for individuals in rural areas who may face barriers to traditional clinical visits. Participants will be equipped with activity trackers to monitor their symptoms from home, allowing for a more holistic understanding of their condition over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and management of Parkinson's disease symptoms, enhancing the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using remote monitoring for neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simmering, Jacob — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Simmering, Jacob
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut-brain clues in Parkinson’s disease: supplement to a large registry
A plant-wide supplement to an NIH program will enroll people with Parkinson’s, with and without GI symptoms, plus healthy controls, to study how gut function, brain signals, and sleep rhythms relate to Parkinson’s symptoms.
-
Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
-
Gut-brain communication in Parkinson’s disease for better symptoms and daily life
This project enrolls people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy controls to build a big registry and study how gut function, brain signals, sleep, and circadian rhythms relate to PD symptoms.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
-
Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
A patient-focused program to study how gut health and the brain interact in Parkinson’s disease using biomarkers and clinical procedures.
-
Understanding posture and movement in Parkinson’s patients to reduce falls
A study using wearable sensors to track real-world balance and movement in people with Parkinson’s disease to help prevent falls.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.