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THE INFLUENCE OF ANKLE TORQUE PRODUCTION ON THE TIMED UP & GO IN PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms including bradykinesia, resting tremor, and rigidity, impair gait and balance; whereas non-motor symptoms include impaired short-term memory and planning. Improved understanding of the influence of PD on movement function is crucial for management strategies and physical therapy treatments. PURPOSE: To determine the association between the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and ankle torque production in people with Parkinson's disease and similarly-aged unimpaired adults. METHODS: 15 participants: 7 people with mild-to-moderate PD (5M, 2F) and 8 unimpaired older adults (6M, 2F) wore a seven-inertial sensor system to track lower extremity movement during TUG tasks. Each participant completed three trials of the TUG, with the fastest attempt used for analysis. Ankle torque was collected with an isokinetic dynamometer at two speeds (60°/s and 120°/s), with 10 repetitions per test. Pearson’s product coefficients were calculated to assess associations between the TUG and torque production. Independent t-tests were conducted to determine differences between groups (p<0.05). RESULTS: No differences were found between the PD and unimpaired groups regarding age or time to complete the TUG (PD: 9.99±3.52s, OA: 7.67±1.12s, p=0.124). As part of the TUG, unimpaired older adults demonstrated faster time to complete the turn (OA: 1.57±0.25s, PD: 2.09±0.52s, p=0.036). A negative correlation was found between peak torque (PT) and TUG time for both groups (PD: r=-0.778, OA: r=-0.764 (p<0.05). There was no difference in turn velocity between groups. CONCLUSION: People with PD and unimpaired older adults suggest people with PD on anti-PD medication perform similarly to OA. Peak plantarflexor torque was positively associated with TUG performance for all participants, indicating greater torque production correlates with faster TUG times. It may be beneficial for people with more severe PD motor symptoms to prioritize strength at the ankle to maintain movement function. Further studies are warranted to explore muscle activation patterns at the ankle and the importance of coordination in movement function in people with PD.

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