Detection of abnormal movement in Parkinson's disease using time irreversibility and entropy

G Gianfranco Bianchi (Laboratory of Neuroengineering at the Institute of Emergent Technologies and Applied Science (ITECA, ECyT-CONICET), National University of San Martín , Buenos Aires,) D Daniela S. Andres (Laboratory of Neuroengineering at the Institute of Emergent Technologies and Applied Science (ITECA, ECyT-CONICET), National University of San Martín , Buenos Aires,)

Abstract

This work aims to determine how entropy and time irreversibility can help differentiate between healthy and parkinsonian movement. Acceleration signals from control subjects and patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) were analyzed using statistical tools, entropy, and time irreversibility. Results were compared with signals from three toy systems: oscillatory, random, and complex signals. Entropy values were higher in control subjects compared to Parkinson's disease patients, indicating less ordered behavior in healthy movement. Time irreversibility was found to be lower in control subjects, indicating a less dissipative system. This study provides useful insights into the differences between healthy and parkinsonian movements. Our approach shows potential to distinguish between control and PD patients in clinical practice using acceleration signals, offering a potential diagnostic tool to evaluate movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 128, Issue 10
Published March 09, 2026
ISSN 0003-6951
Publisher American Institute of Physics

Journal Info

Applied Physics Letters

American Institute of Physics

ISSN: 0003-6951 Physical Sciences

Authors (2)

G

Gianfranco Bianchi

Laboratory of Neuroengineering at the Institute of Emergent Technologies and Applied Science (ITECA, ECyT-CONICET), National University of San Martín , Buenos Aires,

D

Daniela S. Andres

Laboratory of Neuroengineering at the Institute of Emergent Technologies and Applied Science (ITECA, ECyT-CONICET), National University of San Martín , Buenos Aires,