Abstract
Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) differs from atypical parkinsonism in many clinical aspects. Principally, posture and gait are distinct features in the early stages of the disease; thus, these differences can be helpful in differential diagnosis. Methods: We analyzed videos of patients with PD or atypical parkinsonism. A total of 76 patients with early PD (n= 56) or atypical parkinsonism (n= 20) were included. Items related to posture and gait were classified into three categories (standing, gait and associated symptoms) and each sub-item was analyzed. Results: Asymmetric arm-swing (p= 0.004) and accompanying tremor (p= 0.016) were significant indicators of early-stage PD. Staggering gait (p= 0.007) and en-bloc turning (p= 0.026) were more common in atypical parkinsonism. Characteristics with a high odds-ratio for atypical parkinsonism were en-bloc turning (β= 8.475, p= 0.032) and normal arm-swing (β= 14.6084, p= 0.036). Conclusions: Visual inspection of gait and posture provides reliable clues in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1138-1141 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Gait and Posture |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 Apr |
Keywords
- Arm-swing
- Atypical parkinsonism
- Early stage
- Parkinson's disease
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation