Article

Current clinical assessments do not adequately detect the onset of postural
instability in the early stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this
study was to identify biomechanical variables that are sensitive to the effects
of early Parkinson's disease on the ability to recovery from a balance
disturbance. Ten adults diagnosed with idiopathic PD and no clinically detectable
postural instability, and ten healthy age-range matched controls (HC) completed
the study. The first step in the response to a backwards waist pull was
quantified in terms of strategy, temporal, kinematic, kinetic, and center of
pressure (COP) variables. People with PD, compared to HC, tended to be less
consistent in the choice of stepping limb, utilized more time for weight shift,
used a modified ankle joint motion prior to liftoff, and the COP was further
posterior at landing. The study results demonstrate that PD changes the response
to a balance disturbance which can be quantified using biomechanical variables
even before the presence of clinically detectable postural instability. Further
studies are required to determine if these variables are sensitive and specific
to postural instability.

Langue : ANGLAIS