About the Parkinson's Kinetigraph (PKG)
The Parkinson’s KinetiGraph (PKG) is a small medical device that you wear on your wrist (like a watch). It records your Parkinson’s symptoms continuously over a period of 6 days.
It works together with an app (application programme) on a smartphone. This app safely sends your recorded information to your clinical team (see 'About the app' below).
The device contains sensors that measure the following:
- slowness of movement (bradykenesia)
- involuntary movements (dyskenesia)
- tremor
- immobility (periods when you are not moving, including sleep).
| The device may be called 'EmbraceMini' on the box and in the smartphone app. The EmbraceMini is the same as the Parkinson's Kinetigraph (PKG). |
Why we recommend a PKG for you
Your Parkinson’s symptoms can change significantly from day to day and hour to hour. When you visit the hospital clinic, your doctor or nurse only sees a 'snapshot' of your condition at that time. This might not reflect how you feel when you are home.
The PKG measures your symptoms over a full 6 days.
We use this information to do the following.
- Understand if your medication is wearing off before it is time for your next dose. This helps us decide if we need to change the timing, or dose, of your medications.
- Determine if you are experiencing involuntary movements at particular times.
- Assess if you might benefit from advanced therapies.
Getting the device
We will order the PKG for you. You do not need to come to hospital to collect it. It will be posted directly to your home address.
The package will contain:
- the PKG device and wristband
- a charging dock
- a smartphone with the app already set up (if you need one)
- a user guide
- pre-paid return envelope.
About the app
The PKG device works together with an app (application programme) called 'PKG Monitor by Empatica'. The app is held on a smartphone.
The app sends your information securely to your clinical team, and delivers your medication reminders to you.
Adding the app to your phone
- If you have your own smartphone, you can download the app yourself. To do this, search for 'PKG Monitor by Empatica' in either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
- When you download it, the app will check whether your own phone is suitable to use.
If your own phone is not suitable, we will send you a phone that has been set up with the app, ready for you to use.
Setting up the app
To set up the app, follow these steps.
- Make sure you have switched on Bluetooth and the internet (wi-fi or mobile data) on your phone.
- Open the app and follow the steps to connect your device. The app will ask you to enter your date of birth, press the button on the device, and confirm that the device is yours.
- Agree to 'Allow notifications' when the app asks you to do this. This is how you will receive your medication reminders.
Keep your phone on, every day
Keep your phone with you at all times, and with Bluetooth and the internet switched on.
This will enable the app to upload your information.
Using the device
Follow this guidance on how to use the device.
- Wear it on the wrist of your most affected side. (This is the side where your tremor or slowness is worse).
- If both of your sides are equal, wear it on your non-dominant hand. (This means the hand you do not write with).
- Position it so that the small light points outwards (away from your body) and the button sits on the inside of your wrist. It should feel firm but comfortable, and should not move around.
- Wear the watch for 24 hours a day, 6 days in a row (including when you wash, shower or swim; see 'Washing' below).
- Continue your usual everyday activities. The PKG will keep recording while you do so.
- Keep your phone nearby and switched on, with Bluetooth and the internet on, so your information transfers safely.
Medication reminders
We will set your medication reminder times in the app. At each reminder time, your phone use a notification, and a sound and/or vibration, to remind you to take your medication.
When this happens, do the following:
- Take your medication.
- Open the app and confirm that you have taken it (tap 'yes' and 'submit').
- You have about 30 minutes to confirm.
You can also record a dose that you take at any other time by tapping 'Log medication' in the app.
Lights on the device
You can check the device at any time by pressing the button once. The light will show the status of the device.
| Colour of light | What the light means |
| Green light | Everything is working correctly. |
| Amber/orange light (gentle flashing) |
The battery is low. Action required: put the device on the charging dock for a couple of hours, or until the light turns green. |
| Flashing blue and orange light, or the app screen turns yellow or red |
Something needs your attention. Action required: open the app and follow the on-screen instructions. If you need help, contact the clinic. |
Battery life
The battery usually lasts the full 6 days.
Charge the device whenever you see the amber/orange light.
Washing
The device is waterproof and dust-proof.
You can keep it on when you shower, take a bath or swim. You do not need to take it off.
Frequently asked questions
| Does it track my location? |
No. The device only records the movement of your wrist. It does not record where you are, and it does not record sound or conversations. The phone is used only to transfer your movement data securely. |
|
What happens if I forget to press the button? |
Do not worry. Take your medication as usual and carry on. If you like, you can record the dose you took using 'Log medication' in the app. Or you can simply wait for the next reminder. |
| Can I drive while wearing it? |
Yes. However, the reminder comes from your phone and can include a strong vibration or sound. If it distracts you while driving, ignore it until you have stopped your car safely. |
| How long does the battery last? |
The battery lasts at least 14 days on a full charge. It will comfortably last your full 6-day monitoring period. |
| Do I need to keep my phone with me? |
Yes. The device needs to be near your phone, with Bluetooth and the internet on, so your information can upload. Keep the phone charged and switched on each day. |
Finishing and returning the PKG
When you have worn the device for 6 days, the app will send you a notification that your monitoring has finished.
When you receive the notification, do the following.
- Open the notification and follow the steps in the app to finish the session.
- Keep the device next to your phone so it can upload all your remaining data. Wait until the app confirms that the upload is complete.
- Take the device off.
- Put the device, charging dock (and the phone, if we sent you one) into the pre-paid envelope.
- Send it back via any Royal Mail postbox.
Your PKG results (data)
Your information is sent securely to an online system used by your clinical team. Clinicians receive the same classic PKG report, based on the same validated measurements as before.
We will review the report and discuss the findings with you. We will do this at your next in-person or telephone appointment.
Contact information
Kingston Hospital Neurology Services