Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

60

Date

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Health and Sport Science

Concentration

Exercise and Sport Science

Committee Chair

Brian K Schilling

Committee Member

Lawrence W Weiss

Committee Member

Richard J Bloomer

Abstract

Bradykinesia and reduced neuromuscular force exist in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Percutaneous electrical stimulation (PES) has been used to evaluate central versus peripheral manifestations of neuromuscular strength in healthy, aging, and athletic populations, but this method has not previously been used in PD. This pilot study used PES of the quadriceps femoris to identify central and peripheral activation in persons with PD (n = 7) and neurologically healthy controls (n = 6). Maximal voluntary rate of force development (PD = 2544N/s ± 1183, control = 4599N/s ± 1077; P = 0.008) and the rate of force development ratio (RFDR; PD = 0.45 ± 0.15, control = 0.80 ± 0.20; P = 0.004) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the PD group compared to controls. No other significant differences were found between groups. This study was the first to quantify the central deficits caused by PD which bring about reduced neuromuscular rate of force development.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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