Lower extremity isokinetic muscle strength in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Força muscular isocinética dos extensores do joelho em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson

“…In this study, the results of PT assessment in the isokinetic dynamometer showed a significant difference in quadriceps strength in individuals with PD, when compared to subjects without the disease matched for age and gender, corroborating previous studies (5,14). Durmus et al (5) assessed the PT in quadriceps at 3 velocities (90°.s -1 , 120°.s -1 , and 150°.s -1 ) and it observed that muscle weakness in individuals with PD does not depend on velocity (5). Although evidence points out weakness as a characteristic of PD, the origin of this strength deficit has been put into question, whether peripheral or central, whether inherent to the disease or deriving from external factors.…”

“…Although the amount of references available is still restricted, there is a growing number of studies using this device to investigate the strength of different muscle groups in individuals with PD (2,5). In this study, the results of PT assessment in the isokinetic dynamometer showed a significant difference in quadriceps strength in individuals with PD, when compared to subjects without the disease matched for age and gender, corroborating previous studies (5,14). Durmus et al (5) assessed the PT in quadriceps at 3 velocities (90°.s -1 , 120°.s -1 , and 150°.s -1 ) and it observed that muscle weakness in individuals with PD does not depend on velocity (5).…”

“…While some authors assessed strength during the "on" and "off" disease periods, this study was conducted only during the "on" disease period, in order to determine PT in the best motor status, when it is expected that the patient spends most of her/his day with the treatment, including the practice of physical exercise (4,5,24,25). Thus, the differences in PT found between the groups, even with a mild to moderate severity level (average of 2.3) and with the positive effect of anti-Parkinsonian drugs on motor performance, emphasizing that muscle weakness seems to be a clinical manifestation influenced by central changes caused by the disease.…”

“…Recent studies, using sensitive equipment to assess muscle strength, have identified decreased strength in patients with PD when compared to control individuals, who are neurologically healthy (2,5,6). Furthermore, previous studies showed the relationship between muscle weakness and the decline in the basic and essential motor functions regarding the independence of these individuals, pointing out strength training as an important complementary approach (4, 7-10).…”

Effectiveness of resistance training on muscle strength and physical function in people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Decline in muscle strength and power in Parkinson's disease have been reported to be associated with reduced functional performance, walking speed, postural control, balance confidence and increased risks of falls. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Furthermore, people with Parkinson's disease have a lower bone mineral density than their healthy peers in a number of skeletal sites, 7,8 and have increased hip fracture risk. 9 Resistance training has been shown to be beneficial in improving strength, balance and functional capabilities in healthy older adults.…”