Proprioceptive and sensorimotor performance in Parkinson's disease
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Authors
We explored the effects of random whole-body vibration on leg proprioception in Parkinson's disease (PD). In earlier studies it was found that this treatment leads to improved postural control in these patients. Thus, one could speculate that these effects result from modified proprioceptive capabilities. Twenty-eight PD patients were subdivided in one experimental and one control group. Proprioceptive performance was analyzed using a tracking task basing on knee extension and flexion movements. Treatment consisted of 5 series of random whole-body vibration taking 60 seconds each. Control subjects had a rest period instead. Prominent over- and undershooting errors were found in both groups representing proprioceptive impairments. No significant differences became evident, however, either between pre- and post-tests or between experimental and control group. One might therefore conclude that spontaneous improvements in postural control are not directly connected with proprioceptive changes. Nevertheless, one also should keep in mind the general aspects and difficulties of analyzing proprioception.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Research in Sports Medicine |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 4 |
Pages (from-to) | 273-287 |
Number of pages | 15 |
ISSN | 1543-8627 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 01.12.2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
- Physical education and sports
- Parkinson's disease, Postural control, Proprioception