Article

The later stages of Parkinson's disease (PD) are characterized by altered gait
patterns. Although decreased arm swing during gait is the most frequently
reported motor dysfunction in individuals with PD, quantitative descriptions of
gait in early PD have largely ignored upper extremity movements. This study was
designed to perform a quantitative analysis of arm swing magnitude and asymmetry
that might be useful in the assessment of early PD. Twelve individuals with early
PD (in "off" state) and eight controls underwent gait analysis using an
optically-based motion capture system. Participants were instructed to walk at
normal and fast velocities, and then on heels (to minimize push-off). Arm swing
was measured as the excursion of the wrist with respect to the pelvis. Arm swing
magnitude for each arm, and inter-arm asymmetry, were compared between groups.
Both groups had comparable gait velocities (p = 0.61), and there was no
significant difference between the groups in the magnitude of arm swing in all
walking conditions for the arm that swung more (p = 0.907) or less (p = 0.080).
Strikingly, the PD group showed significantly greater arm swing asymmetry
(asymmetry angle: 13.9 + or - 7.9%) compared to the control group (asymmetry
angle: 5.1 + or - 4.0%; p = 0.003). Unlike arm swing magnitude, arm swing
asymmetry unequivocally differs between people with early PD and controls. Such
quantitative evaluation of arm swing, especially its asymmetry, may have utility
for early and differential diagnosis, and for tracking disease progression in
patients with later PD.
CI - Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS