Lip, tongue and forefinger force control in Parkinson's disease

Author(s): Perrin, S., Tournier, C. L., Pollak, P.

Journal/Book: Clin Linguist Phonet. 1999; 13: One Gunpowder Square, London EC4a 3de, England. Taylor & Francis Ltd. 45-54.

Abstract: This study examined the production of isometric force in Parkinson's disease. The relationship among several parameters of the ramp-and-hold force contraction and target force level was quantified for the upper lip, lower lip, tongue, right and left forefingers, in 14 patients (seven males, seven females) with a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease, and 14 age-and-sex matched control subjects. All patients were evaluated in off drug conditions and their speech was classified at stage 2 on item 18 of the Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS). The target force level used in the present study included 0.25 N, 0.5 N, 1N and 2N corresponding to fine forces presumably involved in speech production. Parkinsonian patients showed force production impairments: slower rate of force development, difficulties in maintaining a given contraction and increased variability. Moreover, the disorders of orofacial and forefinger force control did not resemble each other in Parkinson's disease, and differences were noted between the articulatory organs.

Note: Article Gentil M, CHU Grenoble, Neurol Clin, BP 217, F-38043 Grenoble 9, FRANCE

Keyword(s): Parkinson; force; motor control; dysarthria; AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS; FINE FORCE; IMPAIRMENTS; DEFICITS; MOVEMENT; SYSTEM; HAND

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