Evaluation of Initiation Time in Parkinson's Disease: Cybex Isokinetic test

To quantitively evaluate the initiation failure in Parkinson's disease (PD), we studied the initiation time by using the Cybex isokinetic test machine. Eighteen patients with idiopathic PD and age-matched normal controls were selected, and the initiation time during the extension and flexion of elbow and knee joints were measured in each group. Compared to the normal subjects and the patients with PD, the patients revealed prolongation of initiation time. So, it is suggested that the quantitive measurement of initiation time by Cybex isokinetic test could be a useful clinical tool in evaluating the symptoms of initiation failure of PD.