Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion is decreased in parkinson's disease patients with freezing of gait and high l-dopa equivalent daily dose.

Abstract

Introduction: The decrease in overall range of motion (ROM) of the joints in Parkinson's disease (PD) contributes to a functional decline. Ankle dorsiflexion required for activities such as walking, climbing, and descending stairs can be a clinically important outcome in this population as well as the presence of freezing of gait (FOG). However, there are no studies that consider this analysis in PD.

Objective: To evaluate and to compare the ankle dorsiflexion ROM in PD patients classified into freezers and non-freezers as well as PD patients and healthy subjects.

Methods: Cross-sectional study based on assessment protocols with qualitative and quantitative measures. Thirty-four individuals with PD were enrolled in this study. FOG questionnaire was adopted to classify patients into FOG and non-FOG (NFOG). Daily L-Dopa consumption was evaluated. MiniBESTest was used to assess balance. Ankle mobility for dorsiflexion was assessed by closed kinetic chain.

Results: Individuals with FOG had lower dorsiflexion ROM compared to individuals with NFOG (FOG - right ROM: 5.99 ± 3.48 cm; left ROM: 5.96 ± 3.42 cm; NFOG - right ROM: 8.90 ± 4.23 cm; left ROM: 8.83 ± 4.12 cm).

Conclusion: Individuals with mild to moderate PD with FOG and high L-Dopa consumption had lower ankle dorsiflexion ROM compared to NFOG individuals.