Postural disorders in Parkinson’s disease: clinical characteristics, frequency, pathophysiology and management

Effect of istradefylline on postural abnormalities in patients with Parkinson's disease: An association study of baseline postural angle measurements with changes in Unified Dystonia Rating Scale total score

In our previous study, istradefylline treatment in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) improved postural abnormalities (PAs), as seen from a decrease in the mean Unified Dystonia Rating Scale (UDRS) total score from week 0 to week 24. A subgroup analysis based on baseline clinical characteristics investigated the association between improvement in the UDRS total score and istradefylline treatment. However, the association between an objective assessment of PAs and improvement in the UDRS total score is unclear. This ad hoc analysis investigated the association between improvement in the UDRS total score after istradefylline treatment and baseline trunk and neck angles, objective assessments of PAs, measured from patients' photographs taken in the previous study. The patients (n = 31) were stratified into groups based on the trunk forward flexion angle (TFFA), trunk lateral flexion angle (TLFA), and neck flexion angle (NFA) values at baseline. From week 0 to week 24, significant improvements in the UDRS total score were found in median percent change (-8.33% [interquartile range: -43.97, 0.00], P = 0.039) in patients with equal to or above the median TFFA values, and in median change (-‍1.50 [-9.25, 0.00], P = 0.015) and median percent change (-13.33% [-50.47, 0.00], P = 0.009) in patients with equal to or above the median TLFA values. Patients with more advanced PAs showed more consistent improvements in the UDRS total score with istradefylline. Baseline TFFA and TLFA values, which are objective values, may be useful to assess the istradefylline effectiveness in patients with PD and PAs.

Postural abnormalities in Asian and Caucasian Parkinson's disease patients: A multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Postural abnormalities (PA) are disabling features of Parkinson's disease (PD). Indirect analyses suggested a higher prevalence of PA among Asian patients compared to Caucasian ones, but no direct comparisons have been performed so far.

METHODS

An international, multicenter, cross-sectional study was performed in 6 European and Asian movement disorders centers with the aim to clarify differences and similarities of prevalence and characteristics of PA in Asian vs. Caucasian PD patients. Axial PA, encompassing antecollis (AC), camptocormia (CC), and Pisa syndrome (PS), and appendicular PA (appPA) were systematically searched and analysed in consecutive patients.

RESULTS

88 (27%) of 326 PD patients had PA (29.1% in Asians and 24.3% in Caucasians, p: 0.331). Prevalence of axial PA was 23.6% in Asians and 24.3% in Caucasians (p = 0.886), in spite of a longer disease duration among Caucasians, but a longer PA duration among Asians. No differences in prevalence between AC, CC, and PS were found between the two ethnicities. The prevalence of appPA was higher in Asians (p = 0.036), but the regression analysis did not confirm a significant difference related to ethnicity. Considering the whole population, male gender (OR, 4.036; 95% CI, 1.926-8.456; p < 0.005), a longer disease duration (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.024-6.653; p = 0.044), and a higher axial score (OR, 1.242; 95% CI, 1.122-1.375; p < 0.0005) were the factors associated with axial PA.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of axial PA in PD patients is not influenced by ethnicity. However, Asian PD patients tend to develop PA earlier in the disease course, particularly AC.

Flexed Posture in Parkinson Disease: Associations With Nonmotor Impairments and Activity Limitations

BACKGROUND

People with Parkinson disease (PD) are twice as likely to develop flexed truncal posture as the general older population. Little is known about the mechanisms responsible beyond associations with age, axial motor impairments, and disease severity.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to explore: (1) the associations of the nonmotor impairments of PD with flexed posture, and (2) the relationships of flexed posture with activity limitations.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Seventy people with PD participated. Posture was measured in standing as the distance between the seventh cervical vertebra and a wall. Nonmotor impairments (cognition, depression, pain, fatigue, and proprioception) and activity performance (upper limb activity, bed transfers, respiratory function, and speech volume) were variously assessed using objective measures and self-report questionnaires. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to ascertain relationships between nonmotor impairments and truncal posture, and between truncal posture and activities.

RESULTS

Greater disease severity, greater axial impairment, poorer spinal proprioception, greater postural fatigue, and male sex were significantly associated with flexed truncal posture. The multivariate model containing these factors in addition to age explained 30% of the variability in flexed truncal posture, with male sex and axial motor impairment continuing to make independent contributions. A significant association was found between greater flexed truncal posture and poorer upper limb activity performance and respiratory function.

LIMITATIONS

A limitation to this study was that participants had mild-to-moderate disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal proprioception and postural fatigue were the only nonmotor impairments to make significant contributions to flexed posture. Given the negative influence of flexed posture on upper limb activity and respiratory function, interventions targeting spinal proprioception and postural awareness should be considered for people with PD who might develop flexed posture.

Parkinson's disease: symptoms, treatment options and nursing care

Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that causes various motor and non-motor symptoms and will often have life-changing effects for those with the condition, as well as for their family and carers. Nurses can make a significant difference to the lives of those affected by Parkinson's disease, whether in the acute setting, community setting or in care homes. This article explores the causes and progressive clinical pathway of IPD using an evidence-based approach. It emphasises the valuable role of the multidisciplinary team and of the nurse, in particular, in monitoring and improving the quality of life of those with the condition and their family and carers.

Postural, Bone, and Joint Disorders in Parkinson's Disease

Background

Stooped posture was mentioned in the original description of the characteristic features of Parkinson's disease (PD). Since then, a variety of postural, bone, and joint problems have become recognized as common aspects of the illness and deserve attention.

Methods

A Medline literature search for the period from 1970 to 2016 was performed to identify articles relevant to this topic. Keywords for the search included posture, spine, bone disorders, fractures, joint disorders, kyphosis, scoliosis, stooping, camptocormia, Pisa syndrome, frozen shoulder, anterocollis, dropped head syndrome, and pain in combination with PD. The articles were then reviewed to summarize clinical features, frequency, impact, pathophysiology, and treatment options for these conditions.

Results

Postural disorders (kyphoscoliosis, camptocormia, Pisa syndrome, dropped head syndrome), bone mineralization disorders (osteoporosis, bone fractures), and joint disorders (frozen shoulder, dystonia involving joints, joint pain) are often seen in association with PD. Treatment options for these conditions are varied and may include medications, physical therapy, or surgical interventions.

Conclusions

Posture, bone, and joint disorders are common in patients with PD; they often produce added disability, and they may be treatable.