Motion analysis in cervical dystonia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate kinematic features in cervical dystonia (CD) patients by means of a motion analysis system (Fastrack-Polhemus, Colchester VT, USA).


METHODS
Small study sample.


METHODS
Ambulatory care.


METHODS
15 CD patients and 10 healthy subjects.


METHODS
Not applicable.


RESULTS
Posture at rest and voluntary movements in both groups. Posture at rest in CD patients was impaired in all planes; only 20% of the patients exhibited complex dystonic patterns at clinical evaluation, whereas more than 90% of them had complex ones at kinematic evaluation. The analysis of voluntary motion revealed a reduced range of voluntary excursion and increased execution time; the impairment was higher when the patients moved their heads towards the anti-dystonic side.


CONCLUSIONS
Fastrack system is a sensitive tool in kinematic evaluation of CD, as it provides useful quantitative information on rest position and on motion in CD patients and may consequently improve the management of this disease.
Boccagni
Cristina
C
Department of Rehabilitation, Fondazione Istituto San Raffaele-G. Giglio, Cefalù (PA), Italy.
Carpaneto
Jacopo
J
Micera
Silvestro
S
Bagnato
Sergio
S
Galardi
Giuseppe
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014103:Torticollis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014836:Volition / Q000502:physiology