OMT in Parkinson's - version 01
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Ocular microtremor in Parkinson’s disease: a pilot study
IRAS ID
314468
Contact name
Rosie Morris
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumbria University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
RDFC21/HLS/SER/STUART, Northumbria University and Head Diagnostics (collaborative)
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 26 days
Research summary
Eye movements, a well-established window to underlying attentional processes, provide an insight into underlying cognitive mechanisms. Examination of eye movements is a key tool in neurological assessment as they can be attributed to specific brain regions and their function. Eye movements have been identified as promising biomarkers in neurological injury and disease, providing a novel way to predict and track disease. Current methodologies for the collection of eye movement data predominantly involve techniques which are highly subjective, invasive, and often require lengthy protocols. There is a need for a quick, reliable, and non-invasive objective measurement tool, able to detect involuntary eye movements.
A new handheld device – The iTremor – was developed to rapidly and non-invasively assess and evaluate eye movement in neurological impairment and disease. The device is unique in targeting an involuntary eye movement, ocular microtremor (OMT). OMT measurement may facilitate fast, accurate and objective diagnosis of neurological impairment and enhance patient monitoring. Previous recording methods for OMT include piezoelectric stain gauge where a probe is placed directly onto the eyeball, accelerometer fixed contact lenses or capacitance gauge for recording motion of corneal protuberance in relation to a fixed probe on the sclera. In contrast, the iTremor device is entirely non-invasive and requires only three seconds to obtain a reading, illustrating the devices usefulness as an objective measurement tool. We will use the iTremor device to measure OMT in those with Parkinson’s disease (PD), compared to controls and in relation to diagnosis and medication use.
This will be the first study of its kind to investigate OMT as a marker/monitor for PD with advanced technology that can be used within the clinic, laboratory, or home. Identifying OMT as a biomarker for PD could support clinicians in their assessments and enable better provision of care to patients allowing improved disease monitoring.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/WM/0004
Date of REC Opinion
28 Feb 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion