| The purpose of this research was to develop an objective and quantitative examination technique for use with Parkinson's patients. Pilot force and kinematic data were collected in two female Parkinsonian patients, during walking and standing. Posture, stability and balance parameters were examined. A four-camera, three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to record position and trajectory data. The three components of the ground reaction force were examined from both a temporal and spatial perspective. Resolved ground reaction torques provided another parameter for analyzing compensation mechanism in Parkinsonian gait and for characterizing the progression of the disease. The motion analysis allowed a joint-by-joint examination of the upper and lower extremities, flexion extension angles, saggital plane movement, was calculated for the ankle, knee, hip and elbow. A Fourier analysis was done on the motion data at each joint. Stride length, stride width and cadence also were examined. Of the large number of parameters which were examined in this study, the vertical force temporal distributions, the resolved ground reaction forces and moments and the frequency spectrum hold the greatest promise for further examination. |
