Handwriting speed and size in individuals with Parkinson’s disease compared to healthy controls: the possible effect of cueing

Authors

  • Mari Raudmann Institute of Exercise Biology and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu
  • Pille Taba Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Tartu
  • Kadri Medijainen Institute of Exercise Biology and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12697/akut.2014.20.04

Keywords:

Parkinson’s disease, handwriting speed, handwriting size, cueing

Abstract

Changes in handwriting are common in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Improving motor performance by using cueing strategies has become a standard in PD physiotherapy. The objective of the study was to identify whether using different paper types (plain, horizontal lined and grid lined) can improve handwriting of individuals with PD. 21 subjects with mild-to-moderate PD and 9 healthy control group members participated. Subjects were given the task of writing two repetitions of one simple and one complex sentence on plain, horizontal lined and grid lined paper. Handwriting speed and size were measured. Results confirm previous findings stating that individuals with PD write slower and have smaller handwriting compared to healthy controls. Based on the study, it can be concluded that writing on different types of paper does not affect writing speed, but does affect handwriting size of patients with PD.

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Published

2014-12-31

Issue

Section

Articles