Looking for early signs of neurological conditions in drivers

This study aims to develop accessible methods for the early detection of selected neuropathologies in drivers, focusing on multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. The primary objective is to identify clinical tests that correlate with outcomes from the Vienna Test System (VTS), thereby enabling early diagnosis without the need for complex neurological or neuropsychological assessments. Findings could improve the effectiveness of routine driver medical check-ups and inform future modifications to Czech traffic law to enhance road safety.

The study will be conducted in two phases. First, a cohort of healthy participants will undergo assessment using the Vienna Test System (VTS). Subsequently, a clinical cohort comprising individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson's disease (PD) will be recruited. Each clinical participant will complete a basic neurological examination, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), 25-Foot Walk Test (25-FWT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT). They will then undergo VTS testing. Patients with PD will be classified according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale, while those with MS will be staged using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The aim is to determine which easily accessible clinical tests show the strongest correlation with VTS outcomes, thereby identifying reliable markers that can be incorporated into standard medical evaluations of drivers. In the second phase, paraclinical findings obtained outside the scope of this study will be used to strengthen the evidence base. Ultimately, the project seeks to propose a risk equation in the form of a practical calculator that physicians can use when evaluating a patient's fitness to drive. An additional anticipated outcome is the development of targeted cognitive and motor training interventions to help drivers with neuropathologies maintain or improve safe driving abilities.