Parkinson's Disease: Rigidity

Rigidity = Increased resistance to passive motion regardless of movement velocity Cogwheel rigidity = Jerky, ratchet-like resistance to passive movement with muscles alternately tensing and relaxing Lead pipe rigidity = Sustained resistance to passive movement in all directions with no fluctuations Asymmetrical rigidity = Rigidity often affecting one side of the body more than the other, especially in the early stages of PD

Proximal muscles = Typically affected first, especially the shoulders and neck Muscles of the face and extremities = Progressively involved as rigidity advances Left or right side = May be initially affected, eventually spreading to involve the whole body Whole body = Eventually affected as rigidity progresses

Active movement, mental concentration, or emotional stress = May all increase rigidity Prolonged rigidity = Results in decreased range of motion (ROM) and serious secondary complications of contracture and postural deformity Spinal stretch reflexes = Are normal despite the presence of rigidity Task, amplitude, or speed of movement = Do not affect the constant nature of rigidity

<p>Heaviness and stiffness = Frequently complained by patients experiencing rigidity Postural deformity = Serious secondary complication resulting from prolonged rigidity Secondary complications of contracture = Result from prolonged rigidity and decreased range of motion (ROM) Decreased ability to move easily = Caused by increased rigidity</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lead pipe rigidity = Characterized by sustained resistance to passive movement in all directions with no fluctuations Cogwheel rigidity = Characterized by jerky, ratchet-like resistance to passive movement as muscles alternately tense and relax Spinal stretch reflexes = Remain normal despite the presence of rigidity Rigidity progression in PD = Typically starts with proximal muscles and progresses to involve muscles of the face and extremities</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To quantify detectable slowing of movement and reaction time</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Repeated opposition of the forefinger and thumb</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By preventing completion of functional tasks</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dexterity in complex motor tasks</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By quantifying detectable slowing of movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Movements decrease in amplitude and become arrhythmic</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Stopwatch for movement time</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tapping the foot rhythmically</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By causing impairment in completing functional tasks</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It impairs UE functional skills such as drinking and writing</p> Signup and view all the answers