In this paper we investigate the biomechanics of upper extremity of Parkinson’s disease (PD) subjects in order to create an alternative quantitative diagnostic tool that could be used in clinical setting during diagnosing and monitoring PD. Wireless inertial sensors were used to measure angular velocity and acceleration during multi-joint arm motion tasks from ten PD and ten control (CO) subjects. Mean rest tremor was statistically significantly different between the PD and CO groups. Estimated maximum joint torque values of shoulder and elbow joints were statistically significantly different between the CO and PD groups.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, biomechanics, upper extremity, wireless inertial sensor, OpenSim