Handwriting Analysis in Movement Disorders.

Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions that cause problems with movement, either in the form of excessive, reduced, or slow movements. Some commonly known movement disorders include Parkinson disease, dystonia, ataxia, and Tourette syndrome. Multiple movement disorders have unique handwriting characteristics that can be measured using an inkless pen and a digitalized tablet. Handwriting is a complex skill that requires a combination of cognition, motor planning, and visuomotor integration. Handwriting deteriorates in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

This study aims to discern variations in the kinematics (movement patterns) involved in handwriting between individuals with movement disorders and healthy controls. Participants will be invited to carry out a series of handwriting tasks. The pen motions will be captured using an inkless pen and a digitizing tablet linked to a laptop. The entire set of tasks is designed to be completed within 30 minutes. The data will then be collected, processed, and analyzed utilizing a handwriting analysis software.