Analysis of foot pressure for the evaluation of parkinson’s disease patient

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the foot contact time and phase ratio in Parkinson’s disease patients in comparison with the clinical measure of the motor function in UPDRS (Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale). In UPDRS, we used Bradykinesia global, Body bradykinesia and hypokinesia before and after medication. Foot pressure analysis system (RS-Scan) low cost and small space requiirement was used in the analysis of the foot contact time and phase ratio. 12 patients were evaluated by both the UPDRS and RS-Scan before and after medication. The foot contact time was greater at the more severe patients as was expected. After medication, the contact time decreased significantly at minor patients. The phase ratio of midstance and propulsion after medication showed significant difference from those of before medication. Specifically, the midstance increased and the propulsion decreased after medication significantly at the mild patients. The result of this study implies the possibility of quantitative evaluation of the degree and the medication effect in Parkinson’s disease Patients.