Objective: To analyze and compare the strength hand, upper limbs traction strength and the ground reaction force (FRS) during step up in a bus, in simple task (ST) and dual task (DT) conditions, in individuals with and without PD.

Background: Getting on a bus in developing countries can be a challenge for the elderly and individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, as in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Method: Control case study, composed by 31 individuals with PD from mild to moderate stages (PDG) and 30 healthy elderly (SIG), paired by age and sex. The evaluation was performed using the prototype of a bus: the handgrip strength and upper limbs traction strength was measured by dynamometers installed on its handrails, and the FRS using a force platform fixed on its first step. The execution time of the tasks was chronometer and measurements were made in ST e DT. In the statistical analysis, we made comparisons between PGD and SIG, between the ST and DT conditions and a sub analysis considering the fallers participants according the Falls Efficacy Scale.

Results: In the intergroup comparison, PDG presented lower maximum force on the right side in both handgrip strength (30.43 vs 36.62, P=0.02) and traction strength (10.77 vs 12.81, P=0.03). In tasks, traction force is most demanded in the PDG, in both ST (6.35 vs 4.76, P<0.01), and DT (6.32 vs 5.02, P<0.01). Moreover, the PDG shows more concerned about falling compared to control (34.74 vs 24.77, P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences when comparing ST and DT, and in FRS intergroup comparison.

Conclusion: Elderly people with and without PD have common habits regarding the use of public transport in Brazil. Getting on the bus is a complex task for individuals with PD, because PDG delayed more time and showed less muscle recruitment and bigger functional expenditure, with difficulties in both ST and DT. This fact requires greater attention on the part of health professionals involved in the treatment of this population, as well as in the development of effective public policies that guarantee greater independence and conditions for social participation for this population.

References: .

« Back to MDS Virtual Congress 2021

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/analysis-of-handgrip-strength-upper-limb-traction-and-ground-reaction-force-on-bus-step-climb-in-healthy-elderly-subjects-and-individuals-with-parkinsons-disease/