Motor Control Laboratory (MCL)

The Motor Control Laboratory (MCL) helps doctors diagnose and manage movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), essential tremor and dystonia, an involuntary muscle contraction which results in repetitive movement or abnormal body posture.

There are four types of tests offered by the MCL. Your primary doctor will determine which test is needed.

1. Motor-Time Testing

Measures the severity of PD

2. On-off Evaluation

Measures effectiveness of Levodopa, a medication prescribed to manage PD
Helps determine if a surgery known as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), is suitable for a patient with advanced PD. This surgery helps manage symptoms of PD

3. DBS Programming and Evaluation Post-Surgery

Guides the programming of electrode settings
Measures effectiveness of DBS in managing symptoms

4. Electrophysiological Study

Identify the type of tremor or movement disorder

To complete the test, you must be able to:

Follow simple instructions.
Sit upright without support for at least 30 minutes.
Move your upper limbs such as arms and fingers.

You will be asked to sign a consent for the test to be recorded. This recording will be used in the diagnosis and management of your condition and other purposes such as for education and research.

Motor Time Testing

How do I prepare for the test?

Continue with your regular diet and medications unless instructed differently by your doctor.
Bring all medications and note down the name and dosage of the medication you are taking. Pass this information to the medical technologist before your test.
Bring along a cardigan to keep warm.

How is the test done?

The test is performed by a specialised nurse and medical technologist and takes around 30 to 45 minutes

Your blood pressure is taken before the test.
This test is done while you are seated. A camera will be placed in front of you.
A small device (Kinesia), about half a finger length, is placed on your left index finger.
You are asked to do some simple movements with your left finger.
The same process is repeated on the right index finger.
If you are able to move around with or without walking-aid, you will be asked to stand and walk a distance of 7 metre before sitting back down on the chair.
You will be asked to walk twice, and the time taken for each walk will be recorded.
The nurse will assess your rigidity by flexing and extending your wrists, elbows, knees and ankles.
Once the test is done, you may go home.
Our neurologist will provide a detailed report which your doctor will discuss the findings with you at your next appointment.

On-off Evaluation

How do I prepare for the test?

Before the day of test

Stop all PD medication at least 12 hours before the scheduled test.
Continue with your regular diet and medications prescribed for other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetics unless instructed differently by your doctor.
Consult your doctor or call us if you are unsure about which medicine to stop.
If you are not able to tolerate being off medication, take your usual dose of medication immediately. Call us as soon as you can to reschedule or arrange for different tests.

On the day of test

Continue with your regular diet and medications prescribed for other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetics unless instructed differently by your doctor.
Bring along one dose of your medication prescribed for PD. You will need them for your tests.
Bring along a cardigan to keep warm.

How is the test done?

The test is done by a specialised nurse and a technologist and takes one and a half to two and a half hours.

There are two parts to the test. You will be assessed:
A. Before taking your PD medication
B. After taking your PD medication

Your blood pressure is taken before the test.
This test is done while you are seated. A camera will be placed in front of you.
A small device (Kinesia), about half a finger length, is placed on your left index finger.
You are asked to do some simple movements with your left finger.
The same process is repeated on the right index finger.
If you are able to move around with or without walking-aid, you will be asked to stand and walk a distance of 7 metre before sitting back down on the chair.
You will be asked to walk twice, and the time taken for each walk will be recorded.
The nurse will assess your rigidity by flexing and extending your wrists, elbows, knees and ankles.
Once Part A of the test is done, take your PD medications. The test repeats.
Once Part B of the test is done, you may go home.
Our neurologist will provide a detailed report which your doctor will discuss the findings with you at your next appointment.

DBS Programming and Evaluation Post-Surgery

How do I prepare for the evaluation?

Before the day of test

Stop all PD medication at least 12 hours before the scheduled test.
Continue with your regular diet and medications prescribed for other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetics unless instructed differently by your doctor.Consult your doctor or call us if you are unsure about which medicine to stop.
If you are not able to tolerate being off medication, take your usual dose of medication immediately. Call us as soon as you can to reschedule or arrange for different tests. See back page for contact details.

On the day of test

Continue with your regular diet and medications prescribed for other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetics unless instructed differently by your doctor.
Bring along one dose of your medication prescribed for PD. You will need them for your tests.
Bring along a cardigan to keep warm.

How is the test done?

The test is done by a specialised nurse and medical technologist and takes four and a half to five hours.

There are two parts to the test. You are assessed:
A. Before the programming of the electrode and when off PD medication.
B. After the programming of the electrode and when off PD medication.

Your blood pressure is taken before the test.
This test is done while you are seated. A camera will be placed in front of you.
A small device (Kinesia), about half a finger length, is placed on your left index finger.
You are asked to do some simple movements with your left finger.
The same process is repeated on the right index finger.
If you are able to move around with or without walking-aid, you will be asked to stand and walk a distance of 7 metre before sitting back down on the chair.
You will be asked to walk twice, and the time taken for each walk will be recorded.
The nurse will assess your rigidity by flexing and extending your wrists, elbows, knees and ankles.
Once Part A of the test is done, the electrode will be programmed by a specialised nurse clinician. The test repeats.
Once Part B of the test is done, you may go home.
Our neurologist will provide a detailed report which your doctor will discuss the findings with you at your next appointment.

Electrophysiological Study

How do I prepare for the test?

Wear a loose shirt, blouse, bermuda shorts or shorts.
Bring along a cardigan to keep warm.

How is the test done?

The test is done by a doctor and medical technologist and will take about 30 to 45 minutes.

Electrodes are pasted at different muscles. The electrodes are connected to a machine to record your muscle’s response.
You will be asked to do some simple upper or lower limb movements such as tapping your fingers along to a rhythm.
Once the test is done, the electrodes are removed and you may go home.
Our neurologist will provide a detailed report which your doctor will discuss the findings with you at your next appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the tests safe?

The tests are non-invasive and is not known to cause any pain. A specialised nurse clinician and medical technologist will be with you throughout the process. If you feel unwell, tell them.

Can I undergo the test if I am feeling unwell?

No. If you are feeling unwell e.g. fever, cough, do not proceed with the test. Call to reschedule your appointment.

Have questions or concerns? Call:

Tel: 6330 6363

Office Hours:
8.00am – 5.30pm, Mon – Wed, Fri
8.00am – 5.00pm, Thurs
Closed on Sat, Sun, Public Holidays

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