Rigidity vs. Bradykinesia?
It is not uncommon for individuals living with parkinson’s to report feeling stiff and having a hard time moving. These symptoms can be traced back to rigidity (stiffness and/or bradykinesia (slowness of movement). In today’s post we will discuss the similarity and differences between these two hallmark signs of PD.
What is Rigidity?
Rigidity is defined as increased resistance to passive motion. It is described as one of the “hallmark sign” of PD.
Typically individuals report stiffness of their limbs which leads to trouble moving.
Rigidity typically begins asymmetrically and fluctuates throughout the day based on various factors; including but not limited to: stress, medication timing, and time of day
2 Types of Rigidity:
Cogwheel Rigidity: applies to jerky, ratchet like resistance due to intermittent muscle contractions during passive motions.
Lead Pipe Rigidity: applies to sustained resistance to passive movement with additional resistance.
Bradykinesia?
Bradykinesia is described as the “slowness of movement” and is also considered a “hallmark sign” of Parkinson Disease
Additionally, bradkinesia may lead to hypokinesia which is the slowed and reduced movement.
Although Bradykinesia is most commonly associated with movement, it can lead to slowness of thought, Bradyphrenia.
What Can We Do?
Both rigidity and bradykinesia can build off one another. For example, due to slowness of movement one may become more rigid. On the other hand, because one presents with increased rigidity they may require increased time to complete a movement.
HOWEVER, although these two symptoms may correlate to one another, they do not explain the symptoms as a whole and therefore cannot be considered a single symptom.
Listed Below are a brief list of possible at home techniques to help with management of these symptoms:
Rigidity:
Passive stretches - have a loved one or care taker assist with the stretches when you relax in order to overcome the muscle resistance
Self Stretches - take the stretches into your own hands and work on actively stretching the muscle for a brief amount of time.
Trunk Rotations - Since trunk rigidity is typically common, it is recommend to work on keeping your trunk flexible. Avoid Trunk ROTATION if you have a history of spinal surgery or injuries and speak with your Phyiscal therapist or doctor first.
Bradykinesia:
Over exaggeration of movement - large amplitude
BIG movements and PWR! Exercises