Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze postural disequilibrium in parkinsonian patients from the total lengths and areas of center of gravity before and after vibration applied simultaneously to both achilles tendons.
Subjects were 9 patients of parkinsonism (mean 63.8 yr.), 14 healthy young people (mean 25.5 yr.) and 8 aged people (mean 67.4 yr.). Parkinsonian patients with disabled ADL and motor dysfunction were classified as III and IV for Yahr's classification. They couldn't walk so long.
Subjects were ordered to maintain their upright position with the eyes opened on stabilogram (1G 06 SANEI). Two same rotary vibrators (TMT-18 HEIWA ELECTRONICS) were fastened on bilateral achilles tendons with rubber bands. Frequencies of vibratory stimulation were 40 Hz and 70 Hz, and two vibrators stimulated them simultaneously for 30 sec. Total length of sway on center of gravity was measured for 5 sec. immediately after vibratory stimulation had been stopped.
Results as follows ;
1) Duration of the body sway oscillatorily from back to forward was a few seconds, then the center of gravity came back to the initial position.
2) Total lengths of center of gravity after the vibration of two kinds of frequency was not significantly different between aged group and parkinsonian patients.
On the basis of the results, it was suspected that the disturbance of proprioceptive inputs by the tonic vibration might not have any effect on the mechanism of postural center in central nervous system of parkinsonian patients.
