Convolutional neural network based detection of early stage Parkinson’s disease using the six minute walk test

The heterogeneity of Parkinson's disease (PD) presents considerable challenges for accurate diagnosis, particularly during early-stage disease, when the symptoms may be extremely subtle. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of a convolutional neural network (CNN) technique based on the 6-min walk test (6MWT) measured using wearable sensors to distinguish patients with early-stage PD (n = 78) from healthy controls (n = 50). The participants wore six sensors, and performed the 6MWT. The time-series data were converted into new images. The results revealed that the gyroscopic vertical component of the lumbar spine displayed the highest classification accuracy of 83.5%, followed by those of the thoracic spine (83.1%) and right thigh (79.5%) segment. These findings suggest that the 6MWT and CNN models may facilitate earlier diagnosis and monitoring of PD symptoms, enabling clinicians to provide timely treatment during the critical transition from normal to pathologic gait patterns.