1
|
Pigg AC, Thompson-Westra J, Mente K, Maurer CW, Haubenberger D, Hallett M, Charles SK. Distribution of tremor among the major degrees of freedom of the upper limb in subjects with Essential Tremor. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 131:2700-2712. [PMID: 33010725 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although Essential Tremor is one of the most common movement disorders, we do not currently know which muscles are most responsible for tremor. Determining this requires multiple steps, one of which is characterizing the distribution of tremor among the degrees of freedom (DOF) of the upper limb. METHODS Upper-limb motion was recorded while 22 subjects with ET performed postural and kinetic tasks involving a variety of limb configurations. We calculated the mean distribution of tremor among the seven DOF from the shoulder to the wrist, as well as the effect of limb configuration, repetition, and subject characteristics (sex, tremor onset, duration, and severity) on the distribution. RESULTS On average, kinetic tremor was greatest in forearm pronation-supination and wrist flexion-extension, intermediate in shoulder internal-external rotation and wrist radial-ulnar deviation and then shoulder flexion-extension and elbow flexion-extension, and least in shoulder abduction-adduction. The average distribution of postural tremor was similar except for forearm pronation-supination, which played a smaller role than in kinetic tremor. Limb configuration and subject characteristics did significantly affect tremor, but practically only in forearm pronation-supination and wrist flexion-extension. There were no significant differences between repetitions, indicating that the distribution was consistent over the duration of the experiment. CONCLUSIONS This paper presents a thorough characterization of tremor distribution from the shoulder to the wrist. SIGNIFICANCE Understanding which DOF exhibit the most tremor may lead to more targeted peripheral tremor suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Pigg
- Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Johanna Thompson-Westra
- Clinical Trials Unit, Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Karin Mente
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Carine W Maurer
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dietrich Haubenberger
- Clinical Trials Unit, Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Steven K Charles
- Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Effects of Focal Vibration over Upper Limb Muscles on the Activation of Sensorimotor Cortex Network: An EEG Study. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2019; 2019:9167028. [PMID: 31263527 PMCID: PMC6556786 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9167028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Studying the therapeutic effects of focal vibration (FV) in neurorehabilitation is the focus of current research. However, it is still not fully understood how FV on upper limb muscles affects the sensorimotor cortex in healthy subjects. To explore this problem, this experiment was designed and conducted, in which FV was applied to the muscle belly of biceps brachii in the left arm. During the experiment, electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded in the following three phases: before FV, during FV, and two minutes after FV. During FV, a significant lower relative power at C3 and C4 electrodes and a significant higher connection strength between five channel pairs (Cz-FC1, Cz-C3, Cz-CP6, C4-FC6, and FC6-CP2) in the alpha band were observed compared to those before FV. After FV, the relative power at C4 in the beta band showed a significant increase compared to its value before FV. The changes of the relative power at C4 in the alpha band had a negative correlation with the relative power of the beta band during FV and with that after FV. The results showed that FV on upper limb muscles could activate the bilateral primary somatosensory cortex and strengthen functional connectivity of the ipsilateral central area (FC1, C3, and Cz) and contralateral central area (CP2, Cz, C4, FC6, and CP6). These results contribute to understanding the effect of FV over upper limb muscles on the brain cortical network.
Collapse
|
3
|
McCreary JK, Rogers JA, Forwell SJ. Upper Limb Intention Tremor in Multiple Sclerosis: An Evidence-Based Review of Assessment and Treatment. Int J MS Care 2018; 20:211-223. [PMID: 30374251 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2017-024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background To present the current knowledge on the characteristics, assessment, and treatment of upper limb intention tremor to inform and improve future intervention studies in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), we conducted a literature review for articles on upper limb intention tremor in patients with MS. Methods Two reviewers conducted searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE (Ovid). Relevant articles, sorted on inclusion criteria, were examined for descriptions and assessments of upper limb intention tremor, and intervention studies were evaluated based on treatment type. Results Eight descriptive studies were found reporting on the incidence and severity of tremor, impairments, and lesion load. Ten studies focused on measurement of tremor using various assessments. Intervention studies included eight articles using a diverse set of noninvasive techniques mainly showing transient reduction in tremor amplitude and temporary increase in function. Eighteen studies on pharmacologic interventions were found, with most displaying positive outcomes and mediation of tremor; others showed little to no benefit. Surgical interventions included 17 studies on thalamotomy and 20 on deep brain stimulation. Most studies showed tremor improvement after surgery; however, most sample sizes were small, and interventions were highly invasive, with potential adverse effects resulting from surgery. Conclusions The literature on upper limb intention tremor in MS is relatively sparse. More studies are required to determine mechanism of action and to provide more suitable and sustainable interventions to decrease upper limb intention tremor and improve quality of life of individuals with MS.
Collapse
|
4
|
The kinematics of handwriting movements as expression of cognitive and sensorimotor impairments in people with multiple sclerosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17730. [PMID: 29255220 PMCID: PMC5735165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18066-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Handwriting is an important activity of daily living, which requires sensorimotor and cognitive skills that could deteriorate in presence of neurological diseases. Handwriting impairments are common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Aims of the present study were to characterize handwriting movement features of PwMS in comparison with those of healthy adults, and to evaluate the relationship between kinematic parameters of handwriting movements and the results of the assessment of cognitive and motor domains. A new handwriting evaluation methodology was applied to quantify handwriting features of 19 PwMS and 22 age-matched healthy controls who were required to write a sentence on a digitizing tablet. Kinematic parameters of the sentence and of the strokes were used to evaluate handwriting performance. PwMS showed an altered handwriting kinematics with respect to healthy controls: higher movement duration, fragmented velocity profile and higher jerk. Furthermore, motor abilities and cognitive status of PwMS were related to handwriting parameters in accordance with the evidence that MS is a multifactorial disease affecting different domains. These results suggested that the proposed methodology might be a valuable tool to quantitatively assess handwriting impairments and the efficacy of handwriting treatments in PwMS.
Collapse
|
5
|
|
6
|
Fling BW, Dutta GG, Schlueter H, Cameron MH, Horak FB. Associations between Proprioceptive Neural Pathway Structural Connectivity and Balance in People with Multiple Sclerosis. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:814. [PMID: 25368564 PMCID: PMC4202774 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mobility and balance impairments are a hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting nearly half of patients at presentation and resulting in decreased activity and participation, falls, injuries, and reduced quality of life. A growing body of work suggests that balance impairments in people with mild MS are primarily the result of deficits in proprioception, the ability to determine body position in space in the absence of vision. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of balance disturbances in MS is needed to develop evidence-based rehabilitation approaches. The purpose of the current study was to (1) map the cortical proprioceptive pathway in vivo using diffusion-weighted imaging and (2) assess associations between proprioceptive pathway white matter microstructural integrity and performance on clinical and behavioral balance tasks. We hypothesized that people with MS (PwMS) would have reduced integrity of cerebral proprioceptive pathways, and that reduced white matter microstructure within these tracts would be strongly related to proprioceptive-based balance deficits. We found poorer balance control on proprioceptive-based tasks and reduced white matter microstructural integrity of the cortical proprioceptive tracts in PwMS compared with age-matched healthy controls (HC). Microstructural integrity of this pathway in the right hemisphere was also strongly associated with proprioceptive-based balance control in PwMS and controls. Conversely, while white matter integrity of the right hemisphere’s proprioceptive pathway was significantly correlated with overall balance performance in HC, there was no such relationship in PwMS. These results augment existing literature suggesting that balance control in PwMS may become more dependent upon (1) cerebellar-regulated proprioceptive control, (2) the vestibular system, and/or (3) the visual system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett W Fling
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, OR , USA ; Portland VA Medical Center , Portland, OR , USA
| | - Geetanjali Gera Dutta
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, OR , USA
| | - Heather Schlueter
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, OR , USA
| | - Michelle H Cameron
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, OR , USA ; Portland VA Medical Center , Portland, OR , USA
| | - Fay B Horak
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, OR , USA ; Portland VA Medical Center , Portland, OR , USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Illusory movements induced by tendon vibration in right- and left-handed people. Exp Brain Res 2014; 233:375-83. [PMID: 25294499 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-014-4121-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Frequency-specific vibratory stimulation of peripheral tendons induces an illusion of limb movement that may be useful for restoring proprioceptive information in people with sensorimotor disability. This potential application may be limited by inter- and intra-subject variability in the susceptibility to such an illusion, which may depend on a variety of factors. To explore the influence of stimulation parameters and participants' handedness on the movement illusion, we vibrated the right and left tendon of the biceps brachii in a group of right- and left-handed people with five stimulation frequencies (from 40 to 120 Hz in step of 20 Hz). We found that all participants reported the expected illusion of elbow extension, especially after 40 and 60 Hz. Left-handers exhibited less variability in reporting the illusion compared to right-handers across the different stimulation frequencies. Moreover, the stimulation of the non-dominant arm elicited a more vivid illusion with faster onset relative to the stimulation of the dominant arm, an effect that was independent from participants' handedness. Overall, our data show that stimulation frequency, handedness and arm dominance influence the tendon vibration movement illusion. The results are discussed in reference to their relevance in linking motor awareness, improving current devices for motor ability recovery after brain or spinal damage and developing prosthetics and virtual embodiment systems.
Collapse
|
8
|
Chua MC, Hyngstrom AS, Ng AV, Schmit BD. Movement strategies for maintaining standing balance during arm tracking in people with multiple sclerosis. J Neurophysiol 2014; 112:1656-66. [PMID: 24966303 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00598.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to quantify hip and ankle movement strategies during a standing arm tracking task in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Full-body kinematics and kinetics were assessed with motion analysis cameras and force plates in nine MS and nine age-matched control subjects. While standing, participants used their dominant hand to track a target moving around a large horizontal or vertical figure eight on a screen in front of them. The target moved at constant speed, or linearly increasing speeds, with a frequency between 0.05 Hz and 0.35 Hz. Hip and ankle moments and angles during tracking were calculated from kinematic and kinetic measurements. Ratios of peak-to-peak (PP) hip/ankle moments (kinetics) and angles (kinematics) were calculated to determine the strategies of the hips and ankles used to maintain balance during arm movements. Center of mass (CoM) root mean square (RMS) acceleration was calculated as a measure of overall balance performance. The MS group produced larger PP hip/ankle moments at all speeds compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The CoM RMS acceleration increased with tracking speed for both groups but was not significantly different between groups. Additionally, the ratios of hip to ankle moments were highly correlated with the Berg Balance Scale during horizontal steady-speed tracking in MS. These results suggest that people with MS increase the use of the hip during standing arm tracking compared with age-matched control subjects. This adapted strategy might allow people with MS to achieve balance performance similar to control subjects, possibly increasing the importance of the hip in maintaining balance during voluntary movements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Chua
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Allison S Hyngstrom
- Program in Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - Alexander V Ng
- Program in Exercise Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Brian D Schmit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Carpinella I, Cattaneo D, Ferrarin M. Quantitative assessment of upper limb motor function in Multiple Sclerosis using an instrumented Action Research Arm Test. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2014; 11:67. [PMID: 24745972 PMCID: PMC3998062 DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-11-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arm impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is commonly assessed with clinical scales, such as Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) which evaluates the ability to handle and transport smaller and larger objects. ARAT provides a complete upper limb assessment, as it considers both proximal arm and hand, but suffers from subjectivity and poor sensitivity to mild impairment. In this study an instrumented ARAT is proposed to overcome these limitations and supplement the assessment of arm function in MS. METHODS ARAT was executed by 12 healthy volunteers and 21 MS subjects wearing a single inertial sensor on the wrist. Accelerometers and gyroscopes signals were used to calculate the duration of each task and its sub-phases (reaching, manipulation, transport, release and return). A jerk index was computed to quantify movement smoothness. For each parameter, z-scores were calculated to analyze the deviation from normative data. MS subjects were clinically assessed with ARAT score, Nine-Hole Peg test (9HPT) and Fahn Tremor Rating Scale (FTRS). RESULTS ARAT tasks executed by MS patients were significantly slower (duration increase: 70%) and less smooth (jerk increase: 16%) with respect to controls. These anomalies were mainly related to manipulation, transport and release sub-movements, with the former showing the greatest alterations. A statistically significant decrease in movement velocity and smoothness was also noticed in patients with normal ARAT score. Z-scores related to duration and jerk were strongly correlated with ARAT rating (r < -0.80, p < 0.001) and 9HPT (r < -0.75, p < 0.001) and were significantly different among MS sub-groups with different levels of arm impairments (p < 0.001). Moreover, Z-score related to manipulation-phase jerk was significantly correlated with the FTRS rating of intention tremor (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that the proposed method is able to discriminate between control and MS groups and to reveal subtle arm alterations not detectable from ARAT score. Validity was shown by high correlations between instrumental variables and clinical ratings. These results suggested that instrumented ARAT could be a valid quick and easy-to-use method for a sensitive quantification of arm function in MS. Inclusion of finger-mounted sensors could complement present findings and provide further indications about hand function in MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Carpinella
- Biomedical Technology Department, Found, Don C, Gnocchi Onlus, IRCCS, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Labiano-Fontcuberta A, Benito-León J. Understanding tremor in multiple sclerosis: prevalence, pathological anatomy, and pharmacological and surgical approaches to treatment. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2012; 2. [PMID: 23439953 PMCID: PMC3500135 DOI: 10.7916/d8z60mr3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Given that tremor is one of the most prevalent and disabling features of multiple sclerosis (MS), we will review the most significant milestones in tremor in this disease in recent years, focusing on prevalence, clinical features, anatomical basis, and treatment. Methods Data for this review were identified by searching MEDLINE with the search terms “multiple sclerosis” and “tremor”. References were also identified from relevant articles published between January 1966 and May 2012. Results The predominant type of MS tremor is a large-amplitude, postural, and kinetic tremor, which most commonly affects the arms, although tremor can also involve head, neck, vocal cords, and trunk. Involvement of the tongue, jaw, or palate has not been reported. Although the anatomical basis underlying tremor in MS is poorly understood, the link between the cerebellum and the MS-related tremor is supported by clinical and experimental studies. Currently available medication is often unsuccessful in most cases. Surgical treatment can be a satisfactory alternative to treat severe and disabling tremor. Discussion Tremor in MS patients could be considered as an advanced consequence of the disease and its presence suggests a more aggressive course. MS tremor can be severe and very disabling for a small group of patients. Treatment of MS tremor remains a great challenge. Recent studies suggest that dissociating tremor from cerebellar dysfunction using selected clinical tests would be the key issue to successful surgical treatment. Understanding the pathophysiology and biochemistry of tremor production in MS may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Labiano-Fontcuberta
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain ; Department of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sitjà Rabert M, Rigau Comas D, Fort Vanmeerhaeghe A, Santoyo Medina C, Roqué i Figuls M, Romero-Rodríguez D, Bonfill Cosp X. Whole-body vibration training for patients with neurodegenerative disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012:CD009097. [PMID: 22336858 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009097.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole-body vibration (WBV) may be a complementary training to standard physical rehabilitation programmes and appears to have potential benefits in the sensorimotor system performance of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review was to examine the efficacy of WBV to improve functional performance according to basic activities of daily living (ADL) in neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we wanted to assess the possible effect on signs and symptoms of the disease, body balance, gait, muscle performance, quality of life and adverse events. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, 2011 Issue 4), MEDLINE (1964 to 6 May 2011; via PubMed), EMBASE (1980 to 6 May 2011; via Ovid), PeDro (1929 to May 2011; via website), CINAHL (to September 2011; via Ovid) and PsycINFO (1806 to 6 May 2011; via Ovid). SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials comparing single or multiple sessions of WBV to a passive intervention, any other active physical therapy or WBV with different vibration parameters. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted data. Disagreement was resolved by discussion or, if necessary, referred to a third review author. MAIN RESULTS We included 10 trials, of which six focused on Parkinson's disease and four on multiple sclerosis. None of the studies reported data on the primary outcome (functional performance). In Parkinson's disease, after pooling two studies, a single session of WBV caused a significant improvement of gait measured using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) in comparison to standing exercises (mean difference -3.09, 95% confidence interval -5.60 to -0.59; P = 0.02; I(2) = 0%). Nevertheless, longer duration of WBV did not show significant results in comparison with physical therapy in body balance or signs and symptoms measured with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). In multiple sclerosis there was no evidence of a short-term or long-term effect of WBV on body balance, gait, muscle performance or quality of life.Adverse events were reported in few trials. In those trials that reported them, the intervention appeared to be safe. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence of the effect of WBV training on functional performance of neurodegenerative disease patients. Also, there is insufficient evidence regarding its beneficial effects on signs and symptoms of the disease, body balance, gait, muscle strength and quality of life compared to other active physical therapy or passive interventions in Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. More studies assessing other functional tests and accurately assessing safety are needed before a definitive recommendation is established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mercè Sitjà Rabert
- Physiotherapy Department, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Feys P, Helsen W, Ilsbroukx S, Meurrens T. Is MS Intention Tremor Amplitude Related to Changed Peripheral Reflexes? ISRN NEUROLOGY 2011; 2011:192414. [PMID: 22389808 PMCID: PMC3263540 DOI: 10.5402/2011/192414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Intention tremor is related to lesions in the cerebellum or connected pathways. Intention tremor amplitude decreased after peripheral arm cooling in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), likely caused by a reduction of muscle spindle afferent inflow, while amplitude increased when muscle spindles were artificially stimulated by tendon vibration. This study investigated the contribution of peripheral reflexes to the generation of MS intention tremor. Tendon reflexes of biceps, triceps, and brachioradialis, muscles were measured, using an electromechanical triggered reflex hammer. MS patients with (n = 17) and without (n = 17) upper limb intention and 18 healthy controls were tested. Latency of brachioradialis, biceps, and triceps tendon reflexes was greater in MS patients with tremor than in healthy controls and MS patients without tremor (except for the triceps reflex). Peak and peak-to-peak amplitude were not different between groups. It is concluded that tendon reflexes were delayed but not enlarged in MS patients with tremor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Feys
- Departments of Biomedical Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
O'Connor RJ, Kini MU. Non-pharmacological and non-surgical interventions for tremor: a systematic review. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2011; 17:509-15. [PMID: 21632272 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2010.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Revised: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tremor is a frequent disabling consequence of many neurological conditions. We performed a search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library to identify all primary research studies published up to November 2010 which investigated non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatments for tremor in humans. Neuromuscular physiotherapy, strength training and functional electrical stimulation show promise in their applicability and adaptability. Limb cooling may not be feasible for continuous management, but may be appropriate for specific tasks. Tremor-suppressing orthoses based on viscous materials, weighted splints and vibration therapies need further evaluation especially in the domiciliary setting and applied to improving personal activities of daily living. The evidence base for many rehabilitation interventions in tremor is poor. Future research should focus on high quality randomized controlled trials of non-pharmacological and non-surgical interventions which show promise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rory J O'Connor
- Academic Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, UK. R.J.O’
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Grimaldi G, Lammertse P, Van Den Braber N, Meuleman J, Manto M. Effects of inertia and wrist oscillations on contralateral neurological postural tremor using the wristalyzer, a new myohaptic device. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS 2008; 2:269-279. [PMID: 23853130 DOI: 10.1109/tbcas.2008.926726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Upper limb postural tremor consists of mechanical-reflex and central-neurogenic oscillations, superimposed upon a background of irregular fluctuations in muscle force. Muscle spindles play key-roles in the information flow to supra-spinal and spinal generators. Oscillations were delivered using a new generation portable myohaptic device, called ldquowristalyzer,rdquo taking into account the ergonomy of upper limbs and allowing a fine adjustment to each configuration of upper limb segments. The nominal torque of the first generation device is 4 Nm, with a maximal rotation velocity of 300 degrees/s and a range of motion of plusmn45 degrees. Reliability was assessed in basal condition and during loading conditions. We assessed the effects of the addition of inertia on postural tremor of the finger in a group of 26 neurological patients and the effects of wrist oscillations upon contralateral postural tremor in 6 control subjects and in 7 neurological patients exhibiting a postural tremor. Patients showed two different behaviors in response to inertia and exhibited an increased variability of postural tremor during fast oscillations (13.3 Hz). One patient with overactivity of the olivocerebellar pathways exhibited a drop in the peak frequency of more than 20%. The relative power of the 8-12 Hz subband was significantly higher in controls both in basal condition and during oscillations (p = 0.028 and p = 0.015, respectively). The second generation wristalyzer allows to investigate the effects of mechanical oscillations up to frequency of 50 Hz. This mechatronic device can assess the responsiveness of tremor generators to stimulation of muscle spindles and biomechanical loading. Potential applications are the monitoring of dysmetria under various inertial or damping conditions, the assessment of rigidity in Parkinson's disease and the characterization of voluntary muscle force.
Collapse
|