Early modification of stretch reflex in Parkinson's disease.
We stretched quadriceps femoris in healthy subjects and in patients with a recent diagnosis of PD in order to assess whether modifications of the long-latency component of the stretch reflex is an early event in the course of Parkinson's disease (PD). We found a modified mechanical and electromyographic (EMG) behavior in stretching relaxed muscles of patients while voluntary activation greatly reduced differences between normal and Parkinsonian subjects, suggesting that a lower threshold of the response is an early sign in PD.
1st Neurological Clinic, University Medical School, Turin, Italy.
M
M
Bergui
G
G
Paglia
L
L
Lopiano
G
G
Quattrocolo
L
L
Bergamini
B
B
Bergamasco
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004576:Electromyography; D005121:Extremities / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009127:Muscle Rigidity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012026:Reflex, Stretch