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Trunk muscle performance in early Parkinson's disease
1Motor Control and Motor Learning Laboratory, School of Physiotherapy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
Physical Therapy
|June 17, 1998
Summary
People with Parkinson's disease (PD) show reduced trunk function, including range of motion and strength, compared to healthy individuals. Early disease stages indicate a decline in trunk extension ability.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Movement Science
- Biomechanical Analysis
Background:
- Altered trunk function is a recognized characteristic in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).
- Understanding these functional changes is crucial for managing the condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare trunk function in people with PD versus those without PD.
- To identify specific deficits in trunk mobility and strength associated with Parkinson's disease.
Main Methods:
- Trunk range of motion, isometric torque, and isoinertial performance were assessed using the Isostation B-200.
- Measurements were taken against controlled resistance (1 N.m for ROM, moderate for others).
- Participants were categorized based on Parkinson's disease status and Hoehn and Yahr disease stage.
Main Results:
- Significant group differences in trunk range of motion, isometric torque, and isoinertial performance were observed between individuals with and without PD.
- Reduced range of motion in extension and lower maximum/average isometric torque in extension and right rotation were noted in the PD group.
- Differences in trunk function were also evident between Hoehn and Yahr stage I and stage II PD participants.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with Parkinson's disease demonstrate diminished axial range of motion and reduced isometric and isoinertial capabilities compared to healthy controls.
- A decline in trunk extension ability is apparent early in the progression of Parkinson's disease.
- These findings underscore the potential benefit of early strengthening interventions to mitigate trunk function decline and associated functional impairments in PD.