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Self-reported physical activity in essential tremor: Relationship with tremor, balance, and cognitive function
Elan D Louis1, Kathleen Collins2, Brittany Rohl2
1Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
Physical activity is reduced in essential tremor (ET) patients due to motor symptoms like tremor and imbalance. These findings highlight the impact of ET
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Physical inactivity is a significant health concern, particularly in older adults.
- Essential tremor (ET) patients may experience physical and cognitive issues affecting activity levels.
- No prior studies have investigated physical activity in Essential Tremor patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physical activity levels in patients with Essential Tremor.
- To identify factors associated with reduced physical activity in this population.
Main Methods:
- 100 Essential Tremor patients (mean age 80.5 years) were evaluated.
- Physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE).
- Clinical assessments included tremor severity, cognitive function (MOCA), and balance (tandem gait).
Main Results:
- Lower PASE scores correlated with older age, greater gait instability, higher tremor scores, and lower MOCA scores.
- Increased tremor severity and poorer balance (more steps off-line during tandem gait) were independently linked to reduced physical activity.
- Older age and cognitive impairment also showed associations with lower physical activity.
Conclusions:
- Motor impairments characteristic of Essential Tremor, specifically tremor and imbalance, are significant independent predictors of reduced physical activity.
- These findings underscore the importance of addressing motor symptoms to improve the quality of life and functional independence in ET patients.
