A 3 C/sec leg tremor in a "cerebellar" syndrome.
A unique leg tremor was found in patients with late (acquired) cerebellar atrophy. Such patients are classically said to show a cerebellar incoordination in the heel-knee test. The tremor was evoked in three sustained leg postures inducing single plane oscillations. In these tests the tremor occurred as leg extensions, adductions or torsions. Accelerometer records showed a simple 2.5-3.5 c/sec rhythm. The amplitude varied but the rate was remarkably constant. The heel-on-knee position elicited tremor activity in muscles working in various planes; the resulting compound oscillation could be confused with irregular goal-seaking movements.
D002526:Cerebellar Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D011187:Posture; D014202:Tremor / Q000209:etiology*