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Disability profiles and objective quantitative assessment in Parkinson's disease
B Johnels1, P E Ingvarsson, M Thorselius
1Department of Neurology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|March 1, 1989
Summary
This study introduces a new quantitative method to assess motor handicap in movement disorders. It reveals distinct motor disability profiles in Parkinson
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Movement Disorders
- Quantitative Motor Assessment
Background:
- Movement disorders significantly impact motor function.
- Objective and quantitative assessment of motor handicap is crucial for treatment.
- Parkinson's disease presents with diverse motor deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel technique for objective, quantitative assessment of motor handicap.
- To investigate differences in postural, locomotor, and manual motor dysfunction among patients.
- To evaluate the differential influence of medication on these motor functions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a compound, natural test movement for assessment.
- Quantified movement time and performance variability in 16 Parkinson's disease patients.
- Assessed patients after a 12-hour medication withdrawal period.
Main Results:
- Parkinson's patients exhibited movement times 1.5 to 13.6 times longer than controls.
- Significant performance variability was observed upon repeated examinations.
- Identified patient-specific motor disability profiles based on augmented postural, locomotor, or manual components.
Conclusions:
- The new technique provides quantitative, patient-specific motor disability profiles.
- Demonstrated differential impact of Parkinson's disease on specific motor functions.
- Enabled quantification of medication effects, such as l-dopa treatment, on individual patients.