[Quantitative measurement of axial rigidity, functional status and health-related quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease].
BACKGROUND
Rigidity is a cardinal symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Clinically, rigidity is usually assessed by passively flexing and extending a patient's limb. Few studies have assessed rigidity in trunk muscles in PD patients.


OBJECTIVE
To develop an objective measurement to quantify trunk rigidity in PD patients, and to examine its relationship with disease severity using the Hoehn and Yahr staging score (HY) and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS-III), disease duration, functional status with the Schwab & England activities of daily living scale and health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 items (PDQ-39).


METHODS
An isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System 3 was employed to assess trunk rigidity in 36 PD patients. Passive trunk flexion and extension at 3 angular velocities, 30 degrees/s, 45 degrees/s and 60 degrees /s were applied and resistive torques were recorded as trunk flexor and extensors rigidity.


RESULTS
Significant correlations between trunk flexors-extensors tone and HY staging score, UPDRS-III, disease duration and functional status at 30 degrees/s, 45 degrees/s and 60 degrees/s were obtained. Trunk rigidity was correlated with the HRQoL assessed with the PDQ-39.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that the 30 degrees/s, 45 degrees/s and 60 degrees/s angular velocities of this objective method was valid to assess trunk rigidity and was correlated with disease severity, disease duration, functional status and HRQoL in PD patients.
Cano de la Cuerda
Roberto
R
Departamento de Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional, Medicina Física y Rehabilitación, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, España. roberto.cano@urjc.es
Vela
Lydia
L
Miangolarra-Page
Juan Carlos
JC
Macías-Macías
Yolanda
Y
Muñoz-Hellín
Elena
E
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009127:Muscle Rigidity / Q000209:etiology*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life; D013909:Thorax