SCSB Lunch: Study of hand stereotypies using actigraphy, Walter Kaufmann, M.D & Heather O’Leary, B.Sc.

Study of hand stereotypies using actigraphy

Hand stereotypies, apparently purposeless repetitive hand movements, are a hallmark of Rett syndrome implicated in loss of purposeful hand use, emotional state, and progression of the disorder. To date there are no objective biomarkers available to assess their severity, evolution, and association with other aspects of Rett syndrome. Accelerometers have been employed in Parkinson disease to objectively evaluate symptoms and treatment effect. I will present preliminary work developing a biomarker for hand stereotypies using wireless, tri-axial accelerometers that can be worn in the lab and the real world and discuss the implications this has on future research and clinical trials in Rett syndrome.
Walter Kaufmann, M.D.
Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Heather O’Leary, B.Sc.
Applications Support Specialist, Boston Children’s Hospital
Fri Jul 24 2015