Parkinson¿s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system affecting 1% of the population over 55 years of age and 2% of the population over 70 years. Although widely studied, this pathology still presents untapped aspects of motor symptoms, needing for a deeper and more accurate investigation. Among other symptoms, this research project focuses on alteration in posture and balance recovery strategies in perturbed conditions. The final goal of this study, in particular, is the accurate characterization of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) in PD patients and in patients with a group of motor disorders, similar to PD for symptomatology, but different for etiology, the so-called atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APs). Research is needed in this group of pathologies to help clinicians in the identification of indices for differential diagnosis with respect to PD. Toward this goal, the present research project represents the first step, concerning the development of a setup for measurement of APAs in subjects in perturbed postural conditions. In particular, the project will be aimed at the design and development of a robotic platform, rotating around the vertical axis, with programmable angle, speed and acceleration ranges. The device, will be inspired to typical balance evaluation performed by clinicians, but designed for enhancing effectiveness and repeatability. Two measurement systems for human kinematic (IMUs) and muscle activation (EMG) will be included and synchronized with the platform, to accurately measure postural adjustments in response to perturbation in both healthy controls and patients with PD. Outcomes of the study will enlarge knowledge on APAs alterations in patients with PD and will pave the way for the future experimental stage of applying the setup to patients with APs, dramatically impacting effectiveness in differential diagnosis of these pathologies also in an earlier stage.
