Objective: In the present study, we aim to analyze the effects of a dual task on repetitive finger tapping (FT) performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background: It is well known that PD patients can not smoothly perform two different movements at the same time. It has, however, not been fully analyzed what part of FT performance (e.g. speed, amplitude, etc.) is primarily influenced by a dual task.

Methods: The subjects were 26 PD patients (Age 68.0±8.0 YO; mean±SD，disease duration; 6.0±4.2 years，UPDRS part 3 score; 28.7±2.8) and age-matched the 20 healthy controls (CONT) (Age 63.9±13.3 YO ). The motion of finger- to-thumb tapping with the rigidity dominant side hand for 10 seconds was recorded with high-speed video camera (Library co. Move-tr/2D®), while the opposite side forearm simultaneously perform a task of pronation/supination, or not. Key parameters for a cycle of FT were finger maximum separated amplitude, velocity, and acceleration. We developed the acceleration zero point as a parameter, which was the point of acceleration becoming zero. We considered that it indicated the motion of minimally and irregularly shaking fingers. The number of zero points, an average cycle between each zero point and coefficient variations of the cycle were evaluated.

Results: 1. The amplitudes decreased by dual tusk in patients with PD (p<0.05), while those did not change in CONT.

2. In PD patients, number of acceleration zero points increased, and an average cycle was shortened by dual task (p<0.05, p<0.05); the coefficient variations of the cycle did not change. All parameters were not influenced by dual tusk in CONT.

Conclusions: Number of acceleration zero points and an average cycle of acceleration zero points are useful parameters to detect small and irregular finger shaking induced by a dual tusk. Our results suggest that PD patients accompany disabilities of the motor rhythm formation.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-effects-of-dual-task-on-the-finger-tapping-performance-of-parkinsons-disease/