24 hour continuous tremor quantification based on EMG recording

Abstract

A new method is described that allows continuous quantification of parkinsonian and essential tremor over a period of up to 24 h on the basis of surface EMG recording from antagonistic forearm muscles. Tremor extraction from EMG data and all other calculations are performed on a digital computer. The occurrence, intensity and frequency of tremor are calculated. The data evaluation is fully automatic, including quality control and elimination of artifacts. Since tremor changes considerably over a 24 h period, long-term quantification gives more reliable data to study diurnal variations and to control the effects of medical treatment on tremor. As an additional advantage tremor recording is not restricted to a laboratory environment. Tremor can be monitored under everyday conditions and in the presence of moderate voluntary EMG activity.