title: Optimal indices for testing parkinsonian rigidity.
abstract: We assessed parkinsonian rigidity objectively at the wrist to determine the optimal angular velocity and displacement for detecting abnormality. The wrist was moved passively with a torque motor and the average work done for one complete cycle was computed. This objective rigidity score (ORS) was compared with a clinical rigidity score (CRS). ORS was more pronounced at faster movement velocities in parkinsonian patients, whereas in normal subjects there was only a modest increase in the score. Angular velocities of 140 to 190 degrees/second and displacements of +/- 25 to +/- 30 degrees were most sensitive for detecting parkinsonian rigidity and had good correlation with the CRS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Teräväinen
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Tsui
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mak
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Calne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009127:Muscle Rigidity / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*