Keywords
Parkinson’s disease, eye-tracking, vision, cognition, visual sampling, gait, eye movements
This article is included in the Eye Health gateway.
Parkinson’s disease, eye-tracking, vision, cognition, visual sampling, gait, eye movements
As recommended by Reviewer #2, we have detailed within the statistical analysis section the more sophisticated analysis that will be undertaken for this study protocol. This involves the investigation of our a priori hypotheses using multiple regression analysis (undertaken in four separate steps) and structural equation modelling (SEM). Details regarding the regression steps and conduction of the SEM analysis are now provided within the further analysis section.
For clarity, each of the study aims with specific analysis to be conducted are now provided within the statistical analysis section. We also added Table 3, which gives some brief details regarding the demographic and clinical features of the participants within this study. Finally, we added 10 new references regarding the SEM analysis to be conducted within this study.
See the authors' detailed response to the review by Rebecca J Reed-Jones
See the authors' detailed response to the review by Rodrigo Vitório
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease1 characterised by the death and dysfunction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra2. PD causes progressive motor symptoms such as problems with gait3 and non-motor symptoms such as visual and cognitive impairment1. Cognitive impairment is common in PD with reports of dementia ranging up to ~80%4, and may occur early in the disease process5. Visual dysfunction is also common in people with PD, with up to 78% of people with PD reporting at least one visual problem6. Gait impairment in PD is complex, involving multi-system dysfunction and has been widely related to cognitive, and to a lesser extent visual deficits. A more robust understanding of these complex processes and their interactions will inform underlying mechanisms of gait impairment in PD, which may provide insight for future therapeutic intervention. Interventions, such as visual cues (prompts; transverse tape lines to step over) are currently used to ameliorate features of gait disturbance in PD resistant to dopaminergic medication, such as festination, hesitation and freezing of gait7,8. However, visual cue response is selective9 and the mechanisms that contribute to the response are unclear.
To date, associative (correlational) and online manipulation (via dual tasks and environmental changes) studies have investigated the independent contribution of cognition and vision in gait in PD. However, cognitive and visual functions likely interact and have a combined - impact on gait in PD. Recent technological progress has enabled the monitoring of online visuo-cognition through behavioural outcomes such as visual sampling which reflects both visual10,11 and cognitive12–14 processes. Visual sampling is the combination of saccadic fast eye-movements and fixations (pauses between saccades on areas of interest) made during real-world activities15. However, research is compromised by several technological limitations which need to be addressed to ensure robust data collection and analysis. For example, there is currently no ‘gold standard’ visual sampling measurement device or outcome measure and there is also a lack of device accuracy or reliability reporting in all previous studies15.
Visual sampling (specifically saccades) allow orientation to the visual environment bringing areas of interest into high visual acuity (foveation or focus)16. Saccades are impaired in PD and exhibit reduced speed, amplitudes and latencies17–22. Impaired saccadic eye movements, with reduced latencies and increased error rates have also been reported in PD dementia and dementia with Lewy Bodies, further implicating central neuro-degeneration as a determinant of ocular motor function23,24. However, the specific contribution of cognitive and/or visual functions to visual sampling during gait in PD and how this impacts gait deficit is currently poorly understood.
Much of the previous saccadic activity research is limited due to the almost exclusive use of static testing protocols (e.g. computerised tasks in sitting)18,25, which may not be applicable to real-world situations. A recent review of dynamic motor tasks (e.g. gait, obstacle crossing, turning etc.) in PD and older adults15, demonstrated that visual sampling is task dependent and relates to specific goals26. For example: during locomotion over even terrain, saccades may not be required. Over uneven (complex) terrain or during turning saccadic frequency, amplitude and fixations increase27–30. However many previous visual sampling protocols during dynamic task studies use small cohorts and often do not assess cognitive or visual functions15, which limits interpretation and conclusions regarding underlying mechanisms. Visual sampling during gait therefore has not been fully investigated and further research is required to understand this important feature of gait control. Improved understanding will assist with interventions to improve gait performance in PD.
The aims of this study are to better understand: 1) the independent roles of cognition and vision in gait in PD, 2) the interaction between both functions (termed visuo-cognition), and 3) the role of visuo-cognition in gait in PD.
Secondary aims were to:
We used a repeated-measures observational design of visual sampling during gait. We also embedded accuracy and reliability testing of a mobile eye-tracker within the study. It involved 100 older adult participants who were separated into two groups (people with PD and older adult controls).
Two groups of participants were recruited: i) People with idiopathic PD (PD) (n=60); and ii) Age-matched older adults (controls) (n=40). Inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria are highlighted in Table 1. Vision-specific criteria (identified through medical notes) were included due to the impact of certain conditions on eye-tracking capabilities. The setting for the study was the gait laboratory at the Clinical Ageing Research Unit (CARU), Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, United Kingdom.
Inclusion Criteria | Exclusion Criteria |
---|---|
Common to all groups • Aged ≥50 years • Able to walk unaided • Adequate hearing (as evaluated by the whisper test; stand 2m behind participant and whisper a 2 syllable word, participant repeats word) and vision capabilities (as measured using a Snellen chart – 6/18–6/12). • Stable medication for the past 1 month and anticipated over a period of 6 months Group Specific Criteria Participants with PD: • Diagnosis of idiopathic PD, as defined by the UK Brain Bank criteria31 • Hoehn and Yahr stage I–III32 • Stable medication for past 1 month and anticipated over next 6 months or stable Deep Brain Stimulation for at least one month and expected following 6 months • Score ≥21/30 on Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) which is used to classify non-demented PD (PD dementia is <21/30)33–35 • Free from any neurological disorders that may have caused cognitive impairment • No restriction was made for medication usage and participants on stable doses of medication or treatment were permitted. | Common to all groups • Psychiatric co-morbidity (e.g., major depressive disorder as determined by geriatric depression scale (GDS-15); >10/1536) • Clinical diagnosis of dementia or other severe cognitive impairment (PD = MoCA <21/30, Controls = MoCA <26/3037) • History of stroke, traumatic brain injury or other neurological disorders (other than PD, for that group) • Acute lower back or lower extremity pain, peripheral neuropathy, rheumatic and orthopaedic diseases • Unstable medical condition including cardio-vascular instability in the past 6 months • Unable to comply with the testing protocol or currently participating in another interfering research project • Interfering therapy Vision Specific Criteria • Any pupillary diameter disorder; such as significantly non-round pupils, Adies pupil (tonic or dilated pupil), Argyll- Robertson pupil (absence of light reaction), unilateral small pupil • Neuromotility disorders, such as Nystagmus or other ocular oscillations • Significant left eye disorders (i.e. squint, twitching, Ptosis [drooping eyelids]) • Known significant visual field deficits; such as hemianopia • Optic nerve disease • Optic disc elevation • Optic disc swelling; such as Papilledema or Papillitis |
People with PD were identified through the Movement Disorders Clinic at the Clinics for Research and Service in Themed Assessments (CRESTA) in Newcastle upon-Tyne. Research personnel were available at clinics as required to invite participants to consider the study. If sufficiently interested, participants were given a Participant Information Sheet (PIS) and letter concerning the study. The invitation was followed up by a telephone call during the week to assess willingness to participate. If willing, a mutually convenient time for assessment was organised and the invitation to attend was extended to a carer or spouse.
The older adult control group was recruited via advertisement using posters placed within neurology and geriatric departments. The advertisement was sent via the university email system to staff and students at Newcastle University. Recipients were asked to pass on the poster to potential interested parties (i.e. family or friends). Participants received reimbursement of travel expenses for their own vehicle or for public transport, if this is preferred.
Global cognition was assessed using the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and Addenbrookes cognitive examination (ACE-R)37. The MoCA was performed during screening to exclude control participants with cognitive impairment (MoCA <26) and PD participants with dementia (MoCA <21)5 (Table 1). The MoCA is a valid and standardized neuropsychological test for rapid screening of global cognitive dysfunction37, and assesses several different cognitive domains (attention and concentration, executive functions, memory, language, visuo-constructional skills, conceptual thinking, calculations, and orientation). ACE-R has also been shown to be valuable in differential diagnosis of PD when compared to the mini-mental state examination (MMSE)38. Similar to the MoCA, the ACE-R involves testing multiple cognitive domains, such as; attention, orientation, memory, fluency, language and visuospatial abilities.
Attention. Attention was measured via the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) battery (United Biosource Corporation, UK). This provides specific measures of attention, including Power of attention which is the sum of Simple reaction time, Digit vigilance and Choice reaction time39. The attention CDR is a valid test of attention and has been used in a number of studies involving both PD and cognitively impaired individuals40. The attention CDR involves a series of computerised tests, which the participants respond to by pressing one of two buttons (YES or NO buttons).
Executive function. Clock drawing (specifically Royall’s CLOX 1)41 was used as a measure of executive function (i.e. planning). Clock drawing assessment is a measure of cognitive impairment, which is an internally consistent measure that is easy to administer and has good reliability. Participants were required to plan and draw a clock from memory with the numbers and arrows pointed at a particular time, which is then marked out of 15 for certain criteria (e.g. hour hand shorter than the minute hand = one point).
Working Memory. Working memory was assessed using the maximal Wechsler forward digit span42, performed while seated. The forward digit span is reported as a simple span test, which measures storage and manipulation of information by working memory43.
The forward digit span consists initially of two numbers being played over loud speaker at a rate of 1 per second for the participant to recall, and continues to a maximum of nine numbers43. Three trials per span length were conducted and the test continued until a participant fails two out of three trials. The maximal length of the digit span was determined, defined as the most numbers a participant could remember two out of three times without error.
Clock copying (specifically Royall’s CLOX 2)41 measured visuo-spatial ability (i.e. ability to identify the spatial relationship of objects). Clock copying is considered a valid measure of visuo-spatial ability linked with right parietal pathology41,44. For CLOX 2 the researcher draws a clock and the participant must then copy the clock drawn, similar to the cube copying in the MoCA.
Benton’s Judgement of Line Orientation (JLO) test was also used as a measure of visuo-spatial ability. The JLO test has been shown to be a valid and reliable measure of visuo-spatial abilities45. The JLO test involves a participant viewing a set of numbered lines and then being shown two lines of the same orientation. They then have to name the numbers that the shown lines correspond to.
Specific sections of the visual object and space perception (VOSP) battery was used for more specific visuo-spatial assessment, such as; incomplete letters (visual object perception), dot counting and position discrimination (both spatial perception). The VOSP has been shown to be a valid measure of visuo-spatial abilities46 and consists of a screening test to establish requisite sensory acuity and specific clinical tests47. The VOSP test has been used before in older adults and neurological disorder studies48–50.
Visual function assessment included measurement of visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) using basic eye-charts.
Visual acuity (VA). VA was measured binocularly using a standard LogMAR chart51. Participants were seated at a distance of 4m from the chart. Participants were instructed to read aloud down the chart starting from the top left. All correct answers are recorded on a pre-set score sheet. The test is terminated if the participant makes two consecutive errors52. Assessment was done for each eye and binocularly.
Contrast sensitivity (CS). CS was measured using the Mars CS sheets (Mars letter CS chart, Mars Percetrix™, New York, USA) placed on an adjustable holder53. The sheet consists of 48 Latin letters of uniform height; the contrast from the white background decreases with subsequent letters. Room illumination was adjusted so that average CS sheet luminance was between 80 and 120cd/m² (measured via a luminance meter). Assessment was done for each eye and binocularly with the average distance from the participants eyes being 50cm. Participants read aloud down the sheet starting at the top left. Errors were recorded on the pre-set score sheet and testing was terminated after two consecutive errors.
The Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale54 (Movement Disorder Society revised version) was used to assess motor and non-motor features of PD and disease severity. The UPDRS was scored from a total of 195 points; higher scores reflect worsening disability.
Hoehn & Yahr (H & Y). The Hoehn and Yahr rating scale55 is a widely used clinical rating scale, which defines broad categories of motor function in PD. Only PD participants with mild to moderately severe motor function (H&Y stages I–III) were included.
The FOG questionnaire (FOGQ). Freezing of gait (FOG) was evaluated using the FOG questionnaire56,57. This is a ten-item questionnaire intended to classify FOG. The questionnaire has three parts; distinction of freezers from non-freezers, freezing severity, frequency and duration and impact of freezing on daily life.
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) short form. The geriatric depression scale (GDS-15) short form54,55 was used to evaluate participant depression. The GDS-15 was created in 1986 by Sheikh and Yesavage and involves 15 questions about the mood of participants56. The GDS-15 classifies depression via the following scores; 0 to 4 indicates a normal range, 5 to 9 indicates mild depression, and 10 to 15 indicates moderate to severe depression57.
Falls Efficacy Scale – International version (FES-I). Fear of falling was measured using the falls efficacy scale – international version (FES-I). This is a short validated measure of fear of falling in older adults, which assesses basic and demanding activities (both physical and social)58. It consists of 16 scenarios (e.g. cleaning the house) and participants must rate their fear of falling on a scale from 1 (Not at all concerned) to 4 (Very concerned).
Participants walked under different environmental (Figure 1) and attentional conditions in order to assess the impact of more complex (visual) environments and (cognitive) tasks.
Environmental conditions included; walking straight, walking straight through a doorway and turning while walking through a doorway (see Figure 1). The visual sampling during gait testing was also repeated with a visual cue in place for the straight walks. The visual cue consisted of transverse black tape lines on a white floor placed 50cm apart (approx. a ‘normal’ step length) as depicted in Figure 1, which participants were asked to step over as they complete the walk. A visual cue was used as they are known to help ameliorate gait impairments in PD61, which may be due to the increased task-related visual information62 or greater attention being allocated to gait61.
Attentional conditions included; single task (i.e. just walking) and dual task (i.e. repeating numbers while walking based on a maximal forward digit span obtained in sitting). A dual task was used as a representative of real-world walking, in which carrying out several tasks at once is common (i.e. walking and talking)60.
Both groups (PD and controls) performed the same walking conditions (Figure 1); with repeat measures (three trials for each condition) taken for an average to be created.
Visual sampling (the combination of saccades and fixations) was assessed with a Dikablis (Ergoneers, Germany) head-mounted infra-red eye tracking system, synchronised with a 3D motion capture system (Vicon, Oxford, UK) and an electrooculography (EOG) system (Zerowire, Aurion, Italy), to allow for simultaneous and comprehensive recording and analysis of gait and eye movement data. Dikablis calibration was performed while standing using the manufacturer 4-point procedure for each participant prior to data collection. Similar to our previous research29, EOG was also calibrated prior to data collection via asking participants to blink for 30 secs and move their eyes horizontally between set-distance visual targets (5°, 10° and 15°) for 30 secs in time with an auditory cue (a metronome beat) while seated.
The Dikablis eye-tracker recorded eye movement using an infra-red camera63–65, this data was combined with EOG data which involves two small electrodes being applied bi-temporally on the forehead of the participant. Importantly, the Dikablis has an adequate sampling frequency (50Hz) to detect saccades during gait66,67 and EOG has a high sampling frequency (1000Hz) which allows accurate acquisition of specific visual sampling characteristics such as velocity, acceleration, distance etc.15. The Dikablis device includes two aspects; a head unit and a transmitter bag. Both the head unit (approx. the same size as a pair of glasses) and the bag (approx. 1kg) are lightweight. The head unit was taped, with a small amount of double sided tape, to the forehead of the participants to prevent error due to slippage. Eye movement data from the Dikablis was collected at 50Hz and from the EOG system at 1000Hz; this was saved onto a computer to be analysed using proprietary software66.
Video recording and the Vicon 3D motion capture system recorded participants movement during walking using a camcorder and infra-red sensors attached to the skin of the participants at specific locations (Figure 2; 2× shoulders, 1× sternum, 2× anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), 2× posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), 2× big toe, 2× instep, 2× heel and 4× head) using a small amount of double sided tape. Participants were required to bring their own shorts and a vest to wear in order for the markers to be placed onto the appropriate body locations. Vicon 3D motion analysis is a valid and reliable method of assessing the spatiotemporal parameters of gait in older adults and in people with PD68.
Mobile infra-red eye-tracking and EOG have been shown to be a valid and reliable method for assessing saccadic activity in younger adults69, and both have previously been used in older adults and in people with PD29,70–73. We were interested in the accuracy and test-retest reliability of mobile eye-tracking in people with PD and older adult controls to ensure the robustness of data interpretation. Therefore, a subgroup (PD and control; up to n=25) were asked to return approx. one week later for a second and third visit for accuracy and test re-test reliability testing (Table 2). The Dikablis eye-tracker recorded eye movement and was used in the same manner as the previous study63–65, combined with video recording of individuals body movement and a tri-axial accelerometer (Axivitiy, AX3, York, UK) recording head movement.
In the second session the sub-group of participants were asked to repeat the walking tasks from session 1 (single task, without a visual cue) to provide visual sampling during gait reliability data. Accuracy of visual sampling measurement was determined by asking participants to sit (with chin rest in situ), stand (without moving their head) and walk (free head movement) on a treadmill, while performing several eye movements to visual targets (horizontal and vertical visual angles such as 5°, 10°, 15°) in time with an auditory cue (a metronome). The subgroup was asked to return for a third visit (within approx. 1 week of the second visit) to repeat the accuracy testing (as above) in order to derive test-retest reliability results.
The primary outcome measure was saccade frequency (number of fast eye movements per second when walking) during gait, which was recorded via the Dikablis mobile eye-tracker and EOG systems.
Visual sampling. Secondary visual sampling outcomes included: saccade number, velocity, acceleration, amplitude and duration, as well as fixation number and duration.
Gait characteristics. Gait characteristics were measured via video recording and a Vicon 3D motion capture system for all walking conditions in order to examine associations between cognitive and visual functions and gait, and saccadic frequency and gait (Figure 1). Spatiotemporal gait characteristics included step velocity, step length, step time, single support time and double support time, which were chosen because they have been selectively associated with cognitive74 and visual functions75,76 in people with PD and older adults in previous research.
Safety considerations. All measurements were non-invasive and placed the participant at no risk other than those that normally may occur during walking. To prevent excessive fatigue, participants were encouraged to take breaks as needed throughout all study procedures. The hypoallergenic double-sided tape used to fix the infra-red markers and Dikablis head unit onto the skin of the participants did not cause any adverse effects. The amount of tape was small and it has been used on numerous occasions in other research projects at the CARU and no issues have been reported. The bi-temporal EOG electrodes also did not cause any adverse effects. The treadmill used within the accuracy and reliability testing was equipped with a safety harness to avoid any falls-related injuries, as the harness could support the participant and trigger the treadmill to automatically stop in the event of a fall.
Ethical approval. Ethical approval for this project was obtained from the NRES Committee North East -Newcastle and North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee (approved 6th June 2013, Reference 13/NE/0128). Written informed consent was obtained for every participant prior to testing. The study began 1st July 2013.
Dissemination. Data collection for the study finished in July 2015 and results will be published within peer reviewed scientific journals, open-access publication will be preferred. A public engagement event will also be used to disseminate findings to participants and public. All participants were assigned participant numbers, allowing data to be anonymised and reported confidentially. All results from the study will be uploaded to Clinicaltrails.gov (ID: NCT02610634) once analysed. No contractual agreement limits access to data.
This was an exploratory study and therefore few specific previous examples were available to guide estimates for sample size. We have based the estimate (≥40 participants in each group) on our previous work (PD; n=21)29 and other previous similar studies. Similar studies in this research area72,73,77–80 have used small sample sizes (n=2–26) and reported between-group differences, demonstrating that we will be able to see differences between our sizable PD and control groups. It is a general recommendation to include 30 cases per group to be able to carry out basic statistical tests (e.g. between group comparisons)81. This study will inform future power calculations.
Data analysis will follow a predetermined plan:
Statistical analysis will be undertaken using SPSS version 21 (SPPS, Inc. an IBM company). Demographic characteristics and baseline data will be summarized using descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, median, minimum, maximum and inter-quartile ranges for continuous or ordinal data and percentages for categorical data. The descriptive statistics will be tabulated and presented graphically for clarity. One-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests will be used to check for normally distributed data. Non-normally distributed continuous distributions will be transformed where appropriate to meet the requirements of parametric tests; otherwise equivalent non-parametric tests will be adopted. Data will also be assessed graphically (such as histograms or scatter plots) for clarity of information. As this is an exploratory study a threshold of p < .05 (two-sided) will guide statistical interpretation. A brief summary of participant demographic and clinical outcomes is provided in Table 3.
Control (n=40) Mean (SD) | PD (n=60) Mean (SD) | p | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Demographic | Age (years) | 66.93 (10.86) | 67.77 (7.60) | .649 |
Sex | 17M/23F | 38M/22F | .041† | |
Education (years) | 14.80 (3.03) | 13.28 (3.61) | .031* | |
Depression scale (GDS-15) | 0.70 (0.88) | 2.80 (2.77) | .000* | |
Falls efficacy scale (FES-I) | 18.98 (4.15) | 25.48 (8.99) | .000* | |
Clinical | Hoehn and Yahr stage (H&Y) | - | I (21)/II (33)/III (6) | - |
Disease duration (months) | - | 75.38 (75.50) | - | |
UPDRS part III | - | 37.13 (13.84) | - | |
FOGQ | - | 4.33 (7.21) | - | |
LED | - | 629.49 (412.82) | - |
Study aims will be addressed using the specific analysis provided below:
1) To examine the independent roles of cognition and vision in gait in PD
Associations between cognition, visual functions and gait characteristics will initially be made using Pearson correlations, which will be followed by structural equation modelling (SEM) (detailed below).
2) To examine the interaction between cognitive and visual functions (termed visuo-cognition)
Visual sampling (saccade frequency) is an online behavioural measure of visuo-cognition due to its known relationship with cognitive and visual functions82. To analyse visual sampling during gait, a series of mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be used with effect of PD (PD and control) as between participant factor and attention (single task, dual task) and environment (Straight walk, Door, Turn) as within group factors. Pearson’s correlations will be used to test the strength and direction of the relationships between clinical, gait and saccade frequency outcomes. Gait characteristics will also be assessed with the same mixed ANOVA method.
To test the effect of visual cueing on visual sampling and gait; a mixed ANOVA will be used with group (PD and control), visual cue (no cue and cue) and attention (single task, dual task). Comparison with and without a visual cue will also be made via the same mixed ANOVA for the various gait characteristics, while controlling for the influence height.
Associations between cognitive and visual functions will be made using Pearson correlations. Cognitive and visual function contribution to visual sampling will be assessed using multiple regression analysis, while controlling for demographic factors (age, motor severity, depression, global cognition). This will be performed in several steps; Step 1: Demographics, Step 2: Cognition (attention, executive function, visuo-spatial ability, working memory), Step 3: Visual functions (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity), and Step 4: Visuo-cognition (combination of all of the variables in the above steps).
3) To examine the role of visuo-cognition in gait in PD
SEM will be used to assess an a priori hypothesised model of visuo-cognition in gait in PD82. This model will examine the inter-relationships between cognition, visual function, visual sampling (saccade frequency) and gait in PD. SEM is an ideal statistical method for assessing a priori hypotheses, as it allows for hypothesised interactions between variables to be represented within the model. SEM combines ANOVA, correlation, path analysis, factor analysis and regression, and provides direct and indirect relationships between variables, which are not provided by regression analysis83. Direct effects are those where a single path connects one variable to another. Indirect effects are those where the effect of one variable on another goes through a third variable (i.e. more than one path connects two variables)84.
SEM analysis will be conducted using current industry recommendations85–89. Four steps will be undertaken:
1) Four latent variables will be created (i.e. cognition, visual function, visual sampling and gait) using the same observed variables (e.g. visual acuity) as within the multiple regression analysis.
2) Poor latent variable representations will be removed (i.e. observed variables that do not meet a standardised factor loading of ≥0.70 will be removed for each latent variable89,90).
3) Any observed variable with a standardised factor loading of ≥1.00 will be used in place of the latent variable to avoid overfitting89.
4) Model trimming and effect calculation; non-significant associations (connection arrows/paths) will be removed, and direct and indirect effects calculated (i.e. for indirect effects coefficients for each path will be multiplied91).
1. Investigate accuracy and reliability of mobile eye-tracking during gait in people with PD and older adults
To analyse reliability; repeated-measure t-tests, Bland and Altman plots, intra-class correlation coefficients (Model 2, 1) and Pearson’s correlations (or non-parametric equivalents) will be used to assess bias, absolute and relative agreement and consistency of saccadic outcomes measured with the Dikablis eye-tracker on two separate occasions a week apart. A similar statistical approach will be used to assess accuracy of the Dikablis system against targets of a known angle (5°, 10° and 15°).
The aims of this study were to provide a greater understanding of the roles that cognition and vision play in gait in PD. Specifically this study provided data regarding the role that visuo-cognition plays in gait in PD, as well as relationships between cognitive and visual functions (termed visuo-cognition). What sets this project apart from other work in this field is that the study is taking into consideration the combined and interactive impact that cognitive and visual function impairments have on gait in PD.
The study protocol was developed in response to recently reviewed evidence and study recommendations for visual sampling during a dynamic motor task15. The protocol focussed not only on cognitive impairments but also visual dysfunction which is commonly reported in PD and until now has not been fully investigated. Little quantitative data has been previously reported regarding visual sampling during real-world tasks (e.g. gait, reaching etc.) in PD and the few previous studies available only involve small cohorts often performing simple static motor tasks (i.e. mouse clicks or button pressing or reaching92,93).
This study investigated the online visuo-cognitive behavioural measure of visual sampling during a real-world task (i.e. gait), and data analysis will examine interaction between visual sampling, cognitive and visual functions and task performance. The study will determine the influence of cognitive and visual functions on visual sampling during gait and gait characteristics in PD. This will allow us to determine whether gait impairments in PD are influenced by basic visual function (CS and VA) impairment or cognitive impairment (particularly attention) or a combination of these aspects.
Finally, an important feature of this study is that it is expected to provide the first evidence on the accuracy and reliability of using mobile eye-tracking equipment during gait with older adults and people with PD, which will develop the standard of research being conducted in this area and allow for more definitive conclusions.
This exploratory observational study will assist with understanding the role that cognition and vision play in gait in PD and how combined visuo-cognitive processes influence gait outcomes. In addition, it will provide evidence on the interaction between cognitive and visual functions in PD, as well as how visual sampling during gait is affected by the use of clinical interventions such as visual cues.
ACE-R: Addenbrookes cognitive examination (revised version)
ANOVA: analysis of variance
CARU: clinical ageing research unit
CDR: Cognitive drug battery
CRESTA: Clinics for Research and Service in Themed Assessments
CS: Contrast sensitivity
EOG: Electro-oculography
FES-I: Falls efficacy scale (international version)
FOG: Freezing of gait
FOGQ: Freezing of gait questionnaire
GDS-15: Geriatric depression scale (short form)
JLO: Judgement of line orientation
MMSE: Mini mental state examination
MoCA: Montreal cognitive assessment
PD: Parkinson’s disease
PIS: Participant information sheet
UPDRS: Unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (Movement Disorder Society revised version)
VA: Visual acuity
VOSP: Visual object and space perception battery
LR is the Chief/Principle Investigator for the study. SS is carrying out this study as part of his PhD and is responsible for the day to day running of the study. He drafted this manuscript and also wrote the study protocol with BG, SL and LR from its inception. SS and BG designed the statistical analyses, along with Dr Shirley Coleman (Statistician, Industrial Statistics Research Unit, Newcastle University) and SL is involved with participant recruitment. All authors are involved in academic oversight of the study and were involved in the revising this manuscript, giving final approval for publication.
This study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Unit, based at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and administered by Newcastle University (REF: BH120877). The grant was awarded to Professor Lynn Rochester for the project and supports the PhD studies of Samuel Stuart.
The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
The authors acknowledge Dr Alan Godfrey (Brain and Movement Research Group at Newcastle University) for his engineering assistance with the extraction and analysis of the eye-tracking and gait data involved in the study. We would also like to acknowledge Dr Shirley Coleman (Statistician, Industrial Statistics Research Unit, Newcastle University) for her guidance with statistical analysis.
This research is supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Newcastle Biomedical Research Unit (BRU) and centre (BRC) based at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University. The research was also supported by NIHR Newcastle CRF Infrastructure funding. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.
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Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
References
1. Pua YH, Liang Z, Ong PH, Bryant AL, et al.: Associations of knee extensor strength and standing balance with physical function in knee osteoarthritis.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2011; 63 (12): 1706-14 PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full TextCompeting Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
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