Cervical proprioception in Parkinson's disease and its correlation with manual dexterity function.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical proprioception plays a crucial role in posture and movement control. This study aimed to determine the relationships of cervical proprioception, cervical muscle strength and endurance with manual dexterity and hand strength in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Twenty individuals with PD (mean age: 63.9 years) and 20 healthy individuals as a control group (mean age: 61.9 years) were recruited. Cervical joint position error (JPE), static endurance of neck muscles, activation of deep cervical flexor muscles (Craniocervical Flexion Test, CCFT), manual dexterity (Purdue Pegboard Test, PPT), cognitive and motor tasks of the PPT, finger tapping test (FTT), pinch strength, and grip strength were assessed. RESULTS: Cervical JPE was significantly higher in individuals with PD than in controls (p < 0.05). The strength and endurance of the cervical muscles were significantly decreased in individuals with PD (p < 0.05). Cervical JPE measurements were negatively correlated with PPT, cognitive and motor tasks of the PPT in individuals with PD (all p < 0.05). The endurance of cervical flexor muscles was negatively correlated with PPT and cognitive PPT scores in the PD group (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between cervical flexor endurance and hand strength in the PD group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cervical proprioception and the strength and endurance of cervical muscles decrease in individuals with PD compared to healthy individuals. Impairment of cervical proprioception appears to be associated with poorer upper extremity performance. Detailed evaluation of the cervical region in PD may help determine the factors affecting upper extremity function.

Examination of the correlation between hand grip strength and muscle mass, balance, mobility, and daily life activities in elderly individuals living in nursing homes.

BACKGROUND: Aging is a process that includes progressive physiological changes. Grip strength is an important indicator of current health in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the correlation between dominant-hand grip strength (HGS) and cognitive function, mid-upper arm circumference, muscle-bone mass, balance, mobility, and daily life activities in elderly individuals living in nursing homes and determine the effect rates of these factors on HGS. METHODS: Seventy-two elderly individuals aged over 65 who lived in a nursing home were included in the study. Dominant HGS and mid-upper forearm circumference were measured. Muscle and bone masses were measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Mid-upper arm circumference was measured using a non-elastic tape. HGS was measured using a hand dynamometer. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT); mobility and balance were evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS); the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale (KATZ ADL) was used to evaluate daily life activities. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between HGS and muscle and bone masses (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between HGS and TUGT, ADL (p = 0.001, p = 0.016). There was no significant correlation between HGS and BBS (p = 0.2). There was a correlation between HGS and SMMT at the statistical significance limit (p = 0.055). On HGS, the Body Mass Index had a 64.9% effect; the muscle mass had a 30.9% effect; the TUGT had a 27.7% effect. These parameters were found to explain 59.9% of the variance. CONCLUSION: As a global indicator of muscle strength, HGS can be used to predict age-related functional changes. Approaches to increase physical activity levels in elderly can be effective in reducing age-related negativities.