Assessment of Range of Motion and Lower Limb Muscle Activity in Parkinson Patients and Normal Elderly Subject (a case study)

Abstract

Objective: Parkinson Disease (PD) is a progressive deficit of central nervous system. This disease can affect gait performance. The objective of this study was to assessment the range of motion and muscle activity of lower limbs in a PD patient and a normal elderly subject. &nbsp; Methods: one patient with PD (height=173 cm, weight=63 kg, age 53 years) and one normal elderly subject (height=172cm, weight=70kg, age 51years) participated in this study. VICON motion analysis system was used to measure kinematic variables. Moreover, MA300-16 was used to measure EMG activity of lower limbs muscles. Data were evaluated using Independent t-test with significant point set at p < 0.05. &nbsp; Results: The duration of mid stance and terminal swing phase of PD patient was greater than that in the normal elderly subject in right limb 20.3% and 11.6 % and in the left limb 19.4% and 2.3% respectively. The intensity and duration of muscle activity of tibialis anterior, vastusmedius and biceps femoris was significantly increased in the PD patient compared to the normal elderly. &nbsp; Conclusion: The timing percent of gait cycle phases changes in PD patients. The intensity of muscle activity increases in PD patients which means that PD patients&rsquo; muscles are weaker, thus strengthening of ankle plantar-flexor, knee and hip extensor must be considered in rehabilitation programs