Article

Arm swing asymmetry during gait may be a sensitive sign for early Parkinson's
disease. There is only very limited information about how much asymmetry can be
considered to be physiological. To assess the normal range of arm swing
asymmetry, we investigated 60 healthy subjects. The influence of age, gender, and
additional mental tasks (dual-tasking) on arm swing asymmetry was assessed. Limb
kinematics of 60 healthy persons in three age groups (between 40 and 75 years)
were measured with an ultrasound motion capture system while subjects walked on a
treadmill. Treadmill velocity was varied (3 steps) and mental loads (2 different
tasks) were applied in different trials. Additionally, a group of 7 patients with
early Parkinson's disease was investigated. Arm swing amplitude as well as arm
swing asymmetry varied considerably in the healthy subjects. Elderly subjects
swung their arms more than younger participants. Only the more demanding mental
load caused a significant asymmetry, i.e., arm swing was reduced on the right
side. In the patient group, asymmetry was considerably higher and even more
enhanced by mental loads. Our data indicate that an asymmetry index above 50
(i.e., one side has twice the amplitude of the other) may be considered abnormal.
Evaluation of arm swing asymmetry may be used as part of a test battery for early
Parkinson's disease. Such testing may become even more important when
disease-modifying drugs become available for Parkinson's disease.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS