Effects of wrist weights on kinematic and myographic movement characteristics during a reaching task in individuals with Parkinson’s disease

Publication date: Available online 22 December 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Kuan-yi Li, Yu-pei Hsiao, Rou-shayn Chen, Ching-yi Wu
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the kinematic and myographic effects of weighted wrist cuffs on individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) during a reaching task.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingBiomechanics research laboratory.ParticipantsThis study included 19 individuals with PD and 20 healthy age-matched controls.InterventionsThe participants were instructed to reach and grasp a can at a distance of 80% of their arm length without a wrist cuff, while wearing separate 0.5 kg and 1.0 kg wrist cuffs, and subsequently without a wrist cuff.Main Outcome MeasuresMovement time, kinematic, and electromyographic data were recorded during all reach and grasp movements. Four endpoint coordinate strategy variables, three joint recruitment variables, and two co-contraction indices were derived from the raw data for analysis.ResultsSignificant interaction effects were found in the trunk and index finger movement time as the weight of the cuff increased from 0.5 kg to 1.0 kg. The group of individuals with PD showed decreased movement times in both instances, whereas the control group showed increased movement times as the weight of the wrist cuff increased from baseline to 0.5 kg and 1.0 kg. No group difference was observed in the co-contraction index of the upper arm and forearm.ConclusionAdoption of weighted wrist cuffs in the clinic should be cautiously undertaken because compensatory movements may be induced in the trunk of individuals with PD.



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