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Motor Unit Behavior in Parkinson's Disease

Diana S Glendinning, Roger M Enoka
Published 1 January 1994
Diana S Glendinning
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Roger M Enoka
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Abstract

This article reviews the literature related to motor unit behavior in Parkinson's disease (PD). The focus is on bradykinesia, or slowed movement. There is sparse literature on muscular performance in PD, as PD is regarded as a disease of higher motor centers. Nevertheless, a decrease in muscle activation has been demonstrated, and motor unit behavior is altered so that (1) the discharge patterns of motor units are irregular and intermittent, (2) a greater number of motor units are recruited at low thresholds as compared with the findings for age-matched control subjects, and (3) antagonist muscles are abnormally coactivated. Possible reasons for these changes include imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory inputs to motor neurons, adaptations in motor neurons secondary to disuse, or deviations in the normal aging process. For the physical therapy of persons with PD, we propose a greater emphasis on strength-training exercises.

Key Words:
  • Bradykinesia
  • Electromyography
  • Motor unit
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Skeletal muscle
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    Vol 96 Issue 12 Table of Contents
    Physical Therapy: 96 (12)

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    • Measurement Properties of Instruments for Measuring of Lymphedema: Systematic Review
    • myMoves Program: Feasibility and Acceptability Study of a Remotely Delivered Self-Management Program for Increasing Physical Activity Among Adults With Acquired Brain Injury Living in the Community
    • Application of Intervention Mapping to the Development of a Complex Physical Therapist Intervention
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    Motor Unit Behavior in Parkinson's Disease
    Diana S Glendinning, Roger M Enoka
    Physical Therapy Jan 1994, 74 (1) 61-70;

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    Motor Unit Behavior in Parkinson's Disease
    Diana S Glendinning, Roger M Enoka
    Physical Therapy Jan 1994, 74 (1) 61-70;
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    • Effects of Age and Training on Skeletal Muscle Physiology and Performance
    Show more Special Series: Skeletal Muscle

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