A randomized, double-blind trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder with three-month follow-up.

Recent findings indicate that the motor and premotor cortices are hyperexcitable in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The authors have performed the first randomized, double-blind clinical trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in OCD, with a 3-month follow-up. OCD patients (N=22) were assigned to either 2 weeks of active or sham rTMS to the supplementary motor area bilaterally. After 14 weeks, the response rate was 41% (7/12) with active and 10% (1/10) with sham treatment. At 14 weeks, patients receiving active rTMS showed, on average, a 35% reduction on the Y-BOCS, as compared with a 6.2% reduction in those receiving sham treatment.

Use of non-invasive stimulation in movement disorders: a critical review.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive stimulation has been widely used in the past 30 years to study and treat a large number of neurological diseases, including movement disorders. OBJECTIVE: In this critical review, we illustrate the rationale for use of these techniques in movement disorders and summarize the best medical evidence based on the main clinical trials performed to date. METHODS: A nationally representative group of experts performed a comprehensive review of the literature in order to analyze the key clinical decision-making factors driving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in movement disorders. Classes of evidence and recommendations were described for each disease. RESULTS: Despite unavoidable heterogeneities and low effect size, TMS is likely to be effective for treating motor symptoms and depression in Parkinson's disease (PD). The efficacy in other movement disorders is unclear. TMS is possibly effective for focal hand dystonia, essential tremor and cerebellar ataxia. Additionally, it is likely to be ineffective in reducing tics in Tourette syndrome. Lastly, tDCS is likely to be effective in improving gait in PD. CONCLUSIONS: There is encouraging evidence for the use of noninvasive stimulation on a subset of symptoms in selected movement disorders, although the means to optimize protocols for improving positive outcomes in routine clinical practice remain undetermined. Similarly, the best stimulation paradigms and responder profile need to be investigated in large clinical trials with established therapeutic and assessment paradigms that could also allow genuine long-term benefits to be determined.

Safety of transcranial direct current stimulation in a patient with deep brain stimulation electrodes.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been investigated in movement disorders, making it a therapeutic alternative in clinical settings. However, there is still no consensus on the most appropriate treatment protocols in most cases, and the presence of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes has been regarded as a contraindication to the procedure. We recently studied the effects of cerebellar tDCS on a female patient already undergoing subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) for generalized dystonia. She also presented with chronic pain and depression. With STN-DBS, there was improvement of dystonia, and botulinum toxin significantly reduced pain. However, depressive symptoms were worse after STN-DBS surgery. METHODS: Neuromodulation with 2 mA anodal cerebellar tDCS was initiated, targeting both hemispheres in each daily 30 minute session: 15 minutes of left cerebellar stimulation followed by 15 minutes of right cerebellar stimulation. The DBS electrodes were in place and functional, but the current was turned off during tDCS. RESULTS: Although our goal was to improve dystonic movements, after 10 tDCS sessions there was also improvement in mood with normalization of Beck Depression Inventory scores. There were no complications in spite of the implanted STN-DBS leads. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that tDCS is safe in patients with DBS electrodes and may be an effective add-on neuromodulatory tool in the treatment of potential DBS partial efficacy in patients with movement disorders.

Is transcranial sonography useful for diagnosing Parkinson's disease in clinical practice?

OBJECTIVE: Transcranial sonography (TCS) is an emerging ancillary examination for diagnosing Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate TCS features in patients with PD and its mimics, and establish their accuracy in predicting the final clinical diagnosis after follow-up. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 85 patients with an initial clinical suspicion of PD, atypical parkinsonism or essential tremor, all of whom underwent TCS. Two specialists reviewed the follow-up clinical visit records and determined the final clinical diagnosis. The accuracy analysis of the TCS was determined using Bayesian statistical methods. RESULTS: The finding of substantia nigra hyperechogenicity (> 20 mm2) showed high sensitivity (93.4%) and specificity (86.6%). The positive likelihood ratio showed 6.93-fold greater odds for diagnosing PD than an alternative condition when this finding was present. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the practical usefulness of TCS in differentiating PD from its prevalent mimics when the clinical diagnosis was initially unclear.

Decisions about deep brain stimulation therapy in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease can be treated surgically in patients who present with motor complications such as fluctuations and dyskinesias, or medically-refractory disabling tremor. In this review, a group of specialists formulated suggestions for a preoperative evaluation protocol after reviewing the literature published up to October 2017. In this protocol, eligibility and ineligibility criteria for surgical treatment were suggested, as well as procedures that should be carried out before the multidisciplinary therapeutic decisions. The review emphasizes the need to establish "DBS teams", with professionals dedicated specifically to this area. Finally, surgical target selection (subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus internus) is discussed briefly, weighing the pros and cons of each target.

Relief of primary cervical dystonia symptoms by low frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation of the premotor cortex: case report.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the symptoms of a patient with primary segmental dystonia (PSD). METHOD: 1200 TMS pulses at a frequency of 1Hz, over the premotor cortex, with an intensity of 90% of the motor threshold (MT), using an eight-shaped coil; a total of 5 sessions were carried out. RESULTS: A reduction of 50 percent in the neck subset of the Burke, Fahn and Marsden torsion dystonia scale (BFM) was observed in our patient. CONCLUSION: The reduction in the BFM scale supports the concept that rTMS of the premotor cortex may reduce specific motor symptoms in PSD.

Therapeutic effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on neuropsychological symptoms of an elderly patient: A case report.

Although growing evidence points to the potential therapeutic effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), there is still no consensus on the most appropriate protocol to be used in specific neurological and neuropsychological symptoms. This case report evaluated the neuromodulatory therapeutic effects of two 15-day courses of tDCS on an elderly female patient, aged 78 years with mild neurocognitive disorder, chronic pain and depression-related symptoms. Results indicated an overall significant improvement of cognitive and executive functions, as well as reduction in both depression and chronic pain symptoms. These results highlight the potential of tDCS as a safe and useful neuromodulatory clinical tool in the rehabilitation of elderly patients.

Embora evidências crescentes apontem para os potenciais efeitos terapêuticos da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC), ainda não há consenso sobre o protocolo mais adequado a ser usado em sintomas neurológicos e neuropsicológicos específicos. Este relato de caso avaliou os efeitos terapêuticos neuromoduladores de dois protocolos de 15 dias de ETCC em paciente idosa, com idade de 78 anos com comprometimento cognitivo leve, dor crônica e sintomas relacionados à depressão. Os resultados indicaram uma melhoria global significativa das funções cognitivas e executivas, bem como a redução tanto na depressão quanto nos sintomas da dor crônica. Isso destaca o potencial do ETCC como uma ferramenta clínica neuromoduladora segura e útil na reabilitação de pacientes idosos.

Brief considerations on the dispensation profile of the botulinum toxin type A by the Brazilian Unified Health System for treatment of dystonias: Datasus data.

Botulinum toxin injections are the most effective approach for the treatment of focal dystonia. Despite growing demand and clinical indications over the years, there are few reports or publications of its use and benefit to patients seen at the Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS (Unified Health System). Analyzing the Datasus data (Unified Health System Information Department of Brazilian Ministry of Health), it was noticed that in Brazil the percentage of dystonic patient benefited from this procedure is still low. We therefore suggest some strategies to increase the dispensation of the toxin by the Brazilian Unified Health system for the dystonic patients.

Injections of botulinum toxin type a produce pain alleviation in intractable trigeminal neuralgia.

To report the effects of local injections of botulinum toxin type A regarding pain relief and long-term control in a patient with intractable trigeminal neuralgia. The patient was a 75-year-old man with trigeminal neuralgia in the left hemifacial region. His pain was unbearable and could not be controlled by carbamazepine, amitriptyline, or blocked by infiltration of a glycerol solution or phenol. The authors evaluated pain intensity, quality, and location using a Visual Analog Scale to establish the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injections. Two units of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) were subcutaneously injected once in eight points distributed along the territory of V1 and V2. Visual Analog Scores were measured at baseline and at 7, 30, 60, and 90 days after treatment. The authors also examined the patient's general condition and daily life activities. The Visual Analog values were, respectively, 82, 54, 25, 25, and 45 mm at each follow-up examination. No side effects were observed on the site of injection and on the patient's clinical state. The authors have been able to reduce trigeminal neuralgia pain with botulinum toxin type A injections in the V1, V2 territory during all the period of study, as well as to withdraw all medication. Interestingly, there was concomitant reduction of pain also in V3, which was not injected.

Lack of effect of botulinum toxin on cortical excitability in patients with cranial dystonia.

The aim of this study was to verify whether botulinum toxin (BTX)-induced clinical improvement of cranial dystonia is associated with changes in the cortical silent period (SP), a measure of cortical excitability. By transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), high-intensity stimuli were delivered with a round coil centered at the vertex during a maximal muscle contraction of the orbicularis oculi. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and SPs were obtained from surface electrodes placed over the orbicularis oculi muscle before and 2 to 3 weeks after BTX-A injection into the affected muscles in 10 patients with cranial dystonia and 8 age-matched control subjects. BTX injection improved blepharospasm in all patients. Facial muscle SPs were significantly shorter in patients than in control subjects and did not significantly change after treatment, at the time of maximal clinical improvement. We conclude that the clinical improvement induced by BTX in patients with cranial dystonia is largely symptomatic. It does not appear to result from modulation of abnormal aspects of intracortical excitability, although these may play a role in craniofacial dystonia.

Safety of transcranial direct current stimulation in a patient with deep brain stimulation electrodes / Segurança da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua em uma paciente com implante de eletrodos de estimulação cerebral profunda

ABSTRACT Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been investigated in movement disorders, making it a therapeutic alternative in clinical settings. However, there is still no consensus on the most appropriate treatment protocols in most cases, and the presence of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes has been regarded as a contraindication to the procedure. We recently studied the effects of cerebellar tDCS on a female patient already undergoing subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) for generalized dystonia. She also presented with chronic pain and depression. With STN-DBS, there was improvement of dystonia, and botulinum toxin significantly reduced pain. However, depressive symptoms were worse after STN-DBS surgery. Methods: Neuromodulation with 2 mA anodal cerebellar tDCS was initiated, targeting both hemispheres in each daily 30 minute session: 15 minutes of left cerebellar stimulation followed by 15 minutes of right cerebellar stimulation. The DBS electrodes were in place and functional, but the current was turned off during tDCS. Results: Although our goal was to improve dystonic movements, after 10 tDCS sessions there was also improvement in mood with normalization of Beck Depression Inventory scores. There were no complications in spite of the implanted STN-DBS leads. Conclusion: Our results indicate that tDCS is safe in patients with DBS electrodes and may be an effective add-on neuromodulatory tool in the treatment of potential DBS partial efficacy in patients with movement disorders.

RESUMO Descrição: A estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC) tem sido investigada nos distúrbios de movimento, tornando-a uma alternativa terapêutica no contexto clínico. Contudo, não há consenso quanto aos protocolos mais apropriados na maioria dos casos e a presença de eletrodos de estimulação cerebral profunda (ECP) é geralmente considerada uma contraindicação. Recentemente, estudamos os efeitos da ETCC cerebelar em uma paciente do sexo feminino com implante de eletrodos de estimulação cerebral profunda (ECP) para distonia generalizada. Ela também apresentava dor crônica e depressão. A ETCC foi realizada dois anos após o implante de eletrodos de ECP. Com a ECP houve melhora da distonia e a toxina botulínica reduziu a dor. Contudo, os sintomas depressivos pioraram após a cirurgia de ECP. Métodos: Foi proposta ETCC cerebelar anódica de 2mA, sobre os dois hemisférios em cada sessão de 30min: 15 min de ETCC cerebelar esquerda seguida de 15min de ETCC cerebelar direita. Resultados: Embora o nosso objetivo tenha sido melhorar os movimentos distônicos, após 10 sessões de ETCC houve melhora também do humor da paciente. Não houve nenhuma complicação, apesar da presença de eletrodos de ECP. Conclusão: Nossos resultados apontam para a segurança da tDCS e sua aplicação potencial e efetiva como ferramenta neuromodulatória adicional no tratamento de possíveis sintomas persistentes após a ECP em pacientes com distúrbios de movimento.

Is transcranial sonography useful for diagnosing Parkinson's disease in clinical practice? / O ultrassom transcraniano é útil para o diagnóstico da doença de Parkinson na prática clínica?

ABSTRACT Transcranial sonography (TCS) is an emerging ancillary examination for diagnosing Parkinson's disease (PD). Objective To evaluate TCS features in patients with PD and its mimics, and establish their accuracy in predicting the final clinical diagnosis after follow-up. Methods We retrospectively studied 85 patients with an initial clinical suspicion of PD, atypical parkinsonism or essential tremor, all of whom underwent TCS. Two specialists reviewed the follow-up clinical visit records and determined the final clinical diagnosis. The accuracy analysis of the TCS was determined using Bayesian statistical methods. Results The finding of substantia nigra hyperechogenicity (> 20 mm2) showed high sensitivity (93.4%) and specificity (86.6%). The positive likelihood ratio showed 6.93-fold greater odds for diagnosing PD than an alternative condition when this finding was present. Conclusions This study revealed the practical usefulness of TCS in differentiating PD from its prevalent mimics when the clinical diagnosis was initially unclear.

RESUMO A ultrassonografia transcraniana (UTC) é um exame complementar para diagnóstico de doença de Parkinson (DP). Objetivo Avaliar as características da UTC em pacientes com DP e seus diagnósticos diferenciais e estabelecer a precisão desse exame para o diagnóstico clínico de DP após seguimento. Métodos Avaliou-se retrospectivamente 85 pacientes com suspeita clínica inicial de DP, parkinsonismo atípico (PA) ou tremor essencial (TE), todos submetidos a UTC. Um consenso de dois especialistas determinou o diagnóstico clínico final após revisar os registros médicos das consultas de seguimento. A precisão do UTC foi calculada usando métodos estatísticos Bayesianos. Resultados O achado de hiperecogenicidade da substância negra (> 20 mm2) mostrou alta sensibilidade (93,4%) e especificidade (86,6%). A razão de verossimilhança positiva mostra 6.93 vezes mais chances de diagnosticar DP do que uma condição alternativa, se o achado estiver presente. Conclusões Este estudo demonstra a utilidade prática do UTC na diferenciação de DP de condições clínicas similares quando o diagnóstico clínico é inicialmente pouco claro.

Decisions about deep brain stimulation therapy in Parkinson's disease / Decisões a respeito da terapia com estimulação cerebral profunda na doença de Parkinson

ABSTRACT Parkinson's disease can be treated surgically in patients who present with motor complications such as fluctuations and dyskinesias, or medically-refractory disabling tremor. In this review, a group of specialists formulated suggestions for a preoperative evaluation protocol after reviewing the literature published up to October 2017. In this protocol, eligibility and ineligibility criteria for surgical treatment were suggested, as well as procedures that should be carried out before the multidisciplinary therapeutic decisions. The review emphasizes the need to establish "DBS teams", with professionals dedicated specifically to this area. Finally, surgical target selection (subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus internus) is discussed briefly, weighing the pros and cons of each target.

RESUMO A doença de Parkinson pode ser tratada cirurgicamente em pacientes que desenvolveram complicações motoras, como flutuações e discinesias, ou tremores refratários ao uso de medicação. Nesta revisão, um grupo de especialistas formulou sugestões para um protocolo de avaliação pré-operatória, depois de revisar a literatura publicada até outubro de 2017. Neste protocolo, são sugeridos critérios de elegibilidade e inadmissibilidade para tratamento cirúrgico, bem como procedimentos que devem ser realizados antes das decisões terapêuticas multidisciplinares. A revisão enfatiza a necessidade de estabelecer "equipes de DBS", com profissionais dedicados especialmente a esta área. Ao final, a seleção do alvo cirúrgico (núcleo subtalâmico ou globo pálido interno) é discutida brevemente, ponderando prós e contras de cada escolha.

Therapeutic effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on neuropsychological symptoms of an elderly patient: A case report / Efeito terapêutico da estimulação transcraniana de corrente direta nos sintomas neuropsicológicos de um paciente idoso: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Although growing evidence points to the potential therapeutic effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), there is still no consensus on the most appropriate protocol to be used in specific neurological and neuropsychological symptoms. This case report evaluated the neuromodulatory therapeutic effects of two 15-day courses of tDCS on an elderly female patient, aged 78 years with mild neurocognitive disorder, chronic pain and depression-related symptoms. Results indicated an overall significant improvement of cognitive and executive functions, as well as reduction in both depression and chronic pain symptoms. These results highlight the potential of tDCS as a safe and useful neuromodulatory clinical tool in the rehabilitation of elderly patients.

RESUMO Embora evidências crescentes apontem para os potenciais efeitos terapêuticos da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC), ainda não há consenso sobre o protocolo mais adequado a ser usado em sintomas neurológicos e neuropsicológicos específicos. Este relato de caso avaliou os efeitos terapêuticos neuromoduladores de dois protocolos de 15 dias de ETCC em paciente idosa, com idade de 78 anos com comprometimento cognitivo leve, dor crônica e sintomas relacionados à depressão. Os resultados indicaram uma melhoria global significativa das funções cognitivas e executivas, bem como a redução tanto na depressão quanto nos sintomas da dor crônica. Isso destaca o potencial do ETCC como uma ferramenta clínica neuromoduladora segura e útil na reabilitação de pacientes idosos.

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease in Brazil: I. Cognitive disorders.

This article reports the recommendations of the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Brazil, with special focus on cognitive disorders. It constitutes a revision and broadening of the 2005 guidelines based on a consensus involving researchers (physicians and non-physicians) in the field. The authors carried out a search of articles published since 2005 on the MEDLINE, LILACS and Cochrane Library databases. The search criteria were pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of cognitive disorders in AD. Studies retrieved were categorized into four classes, and evidence into four levels, based on the 2008 recommendations of the American Academy of Neurology. The recommendations on therapy are pertinent to the dementia phase of AD. Recommendations are proposed for the treatment of cognitive disorders encompassing both pharmacological (including acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine and other drugs and substances) and non-pharmacological (including cognitive rehabilitation, physical activity, occupational therapy, and music therapy) approaches. Recommendations for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease are included in a separate article of this edition.

Esse texto apresenta as recomendações da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, por intermédio do seu Departamento Científico de Neurologia Cognitiva e do Envelhecimento, para o tratamento da doença de Alzheimer (DA) no Brasil, enfocando os transtornos cognitivos. Trata-se de uma revisão ampliada das diretrizes publicadas em 2005, resultada de um consenso envolvendo pesquisadores da área, médicos e não médicos. Os autores realizaram uma busca de artigos publicados a partir de 2005 nas bases MEDLINE, LILACS e Cochrane Library. A busca foi direcionada para tratamento farmacológico e não farmacológico dos transtornos cognitivos da DA. Os estudos foram categorizados em quatro classes e as evidências em quatro níveis, com base nas recomendações da Academia Americana de Neurologia publicadas em 2008. As recomendações terapêuticas referem-se à fase demencial da DA. Apresentam-se recomendações para o tratamento dos transtornos cognitivos, tanto farmacológico (incluindo inibidores da acetilcolinesterase, memantina e outros fármacos e substâncias), como não farmacológico (incluindo reabilitação cognitiva, atividade física, terapia ocupacional e musicoterapia). As recomendações para o tratamento dos sintomas comportamentais e psicológicos da demência da DA são apresentadas em outro artigo desse fascículo.

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease in Brazil: II. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

This article reports the recommendations of the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Brazil, with special focus on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). It constitutes a revision and broadening of the 2005 guidelines based on a consensus involving researchers (physicians and non-physicians) in the field. The authors carried out a search of articles published since 2005 on the MEDLINE, LILACS and Cochrane Library databases. The search criteria were pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of AD. Studies retrieved were categorized into four classes, and evidence into four levels, based on the 2008 recommendations of the American Academy of Neurology. The recommendations on therapy are pertinent to the dementia phase of AD. Recommendations are proposed for the treatment of BPSD encompassing both pharmacological (including acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, neuroleptics, anti-depressives, benzodiazepines, anti-convulsants plus other drugs and substances) and non-pharmacological (including education-based interventions, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, therapy using light, massage and art therapy) approaches. Recommendations for the treatment of cognitive disorders of AD symptoms are included in a separate article of this edition.

Esse texto apresenta as recomendações da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, por intermédio do seu Departamento Científico de Neurologia Cognitiva e do Envelhecimento, para o tratamento da doença de Alzheimer (DA) no Brasil, enfocando os sintomas comportamentais e psicológicos da demência (SCPD). Trata-se de uma revisão ampliada das diretrizes publicadas em 2005, resultada de um consenso envolvendo pesquisadores da área, médicos e não médicos. Os autores realizaram uma busca de artigos publicados a partir de 2005 nas bases MEDLINE, LILACS e Cochrane Library. A busca foi direcionada para tratamento farmacológico e não farmacológico dos sintomas comportamentais e psicológicos da DA. Os estudos foram categorizados em quatro classes e as evidências em quatro níveis, com base nas recomendações da Academia Americana de Neurologia publicadas em 2008. As recomendações terapêuticas referem-se à fase demencial da DA. Apresentam-se recomendações para o tratamento dos SCPD, tanto farmacológico (incluindo inibidores da acetilcolinesterase, memantina, neurolépticos, antidepressivos, benzodiazepínicos, anticonvulsivantes e outros fármacos e substâncias), como não farmacológico (incluindo intervenções educacionais, fisioterapia, terapia ocupacional, musicoterapia, terapia com luz, massagem e arterapia). As recomendações para o tratamento dos transtornos cognitivos da DA são apresentadas em outro artigo desse fascículo.

Stiff-person syndrome treated with rituximab.

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological condition consisting of progressive and fluctuating rigidity of the axial muscles combined with painful spasms. The pathophysiology of SPS is not fully understood, but there seems to be an autoimmune component. The use of rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 protein in the surface of mature B cells, for the treatment of SPS is a recent therapeutical approach showing promising results. The authors present a case report of a 41-year-old female patient diagnosed with SPS who was treated with rituximab in a public hospital in Brasília, Brazil, showing a good and safe response to the treatment so far. Our data go along with some recent articles published in the literature.

Força muscular isocinética dos extensores do joelho em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson / Isokinetic muscle strength of knee extensors in individuals with Parkinson's disease

INTRODUÇÃO: Apesar do tremor, bradicinesia e rigidez serem os sintomas motores clássicos da doença de Parkinson (DP), a fraqueza muscular também tem sido apontada como um dos mais importantes sintomas motores associados a essa doença, porém, essa condição ainda é pouco estudada e os resultados são inconsistentes. OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo teve o propósito de comparar a força muscular do quadríceps entre indivíduos portadores de DP e indivíduos neurologicamente saudáveis pareados por idade e gênero. Foi comparada também a força muscular do membro mais acometido e menos acometido pela doença. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 26 voluntários, 13 do grupo Parkinson (GP: 64,08 ± 6,87 anos; 73,82 ± 13,03 Kg; 1,66 ± 0,07m;) e 13 do grupo controle (GC: 62,73 ± 6,42 anos; 79,46 ± 11,40 kg; 1,71 ± 0,07 m). Foi mensurado o pico de torque (PT) dos extensores do joelho por meio da dinamometria isocinética, na velocidade de 90º.s-1. Foi utilizado o teste t para comparar as médias intra e entre os grupos (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: O PT absoluto foi significativamente menor no GP (119,29 ± 40,06 N.m) quando comparado ao GC (145,15 ± 20,05 N.m). Entre os indivíduos com DP, foram encontrados valores significativamente inferiores de força muscular do membro mais acometido quando comparado com o menos acometido (119,29± 40,06 N.m vs. 128,86 ± 35,56 N.m; p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Com base nos resultados, conclui-se que portadores da DP apresentam reduzido PT isocinético dos extensores do joelho, sendo esses achados exacerbados no membro mais acometido pela doença.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the tremor, bradykinesia and rigidity are the classic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), muscle weakness has also been pointed out as an important motor symptom associated to this disease, however this condition is still poorly studied and results are inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare quadriceps muscle strength between individuals with PD and neurologically healthy individuals matched for age and gender. We also compared muscle strength in the limb more and less affected by the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study had the participation of 26 volunteers: 13 from the Parkinson Group (64.08 ± 6.87 years, 73.82 ± 13.03 kg, 1.66 ± 0.07 m;) and 13 from the control group (62.73 ± 6.42 years, 79.46 ± 11.40 kg, 1.71 ± 0.07 m). Peak Torque (PT) was measured in knee extensors using an isokinetic dynamometer at a velocity of 90º.s -1. Student's t-test was used to compare average values intraand inter-groups (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Absolute PT was significantly lower in the Parkinson group (119.29 ± 40.06) when compared to the control group (145.15 ± 20.05 Nm). Among individuals with PD, we found significantly lower values of muscle strength in the more affected limb when compared to the less affected limb (119.29 ± 40.06 N.m vs 128.86 ± 35.56 N.m, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, we concluded that patients with PD showed a decreased isokinetic PT in knee extensors, and these findings are exacerbated in the limb more affected by the disease.