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University Rehabilitation Institute RS, Ljubljana (IRLJ)
  • Analysis of rigidity, posture and gait in parkinsonism = Analiza rigidnosti, drže in hoje pri parkinsonizmu
    Gregorič, Milan, 1941- ...
    In rigidity the resistance to passively induced movement is position-dependent and not velocity-dependent as is the case in spasticity. Contrary to this classic view, the speed dependence could to ... some extent be observed also in rigidity. Dorsal flexors of the foot frequently show both reactions: response to shortening and response to strecthing of the muscle. No correlations were detected between rigidity and other signs and symptoms of parkinsonism. The disturbances of posture, balance and gait are characteristic motor abnormalities in parkinsonism: flexed posture, shuffling or festinating gait with small steps, start hesitation, propulsive falling or freezing and poverty of associated movements. The postural reflexes and reactions are inappropriate in parkinsonism. The impaired antigravity function of the extensor muscles may results in an abnormally flexed body posture. The most significant disturbance of function contributing to the characteristic posture and gait in parkinsonism seems to be the loss of the ability to control the centre of gravity. The movements in lower limb joints during gait are slow and limited. The loading as well as push-off phases are rather weak. The pattern of EMG activity during gait is abnormal in parkinsonism. The dynamic EMG peaks are poorly defined when recorded in the off-phases in patients treated with dopaminergic drugs. A significant change towards a more normal pattern of activity could be observed in the on-phases. Motor control of gait in parkinsonism seem to depend directly on the level of dopaminergic neurotransmitter activity.
    Source: Zdravniški vestnik : glasilo Slovenskega zdravniškega društva = Slovenian medical journal = journal of Slovenian Medical Association. - ISSN 1318-0347 (Vol. 65, suppl. 3, 1996, str. III-55-III-62)
    Type of material - article, component part ; adult, serious
    Publish date - 1996
    Language - english
    COBISS.SI-ID - 6890457

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