Movement smoothness impairment in idiopathic cervical dystonia

Abstract

Voluntary movement is characterized by accuracy, speed and smoothness. Although phenomenology of idiopathic cervical dystonia (ICD) is typically defined by abnormal postures (with head deviation at rest) plus dystonic twisting or tremulous movements, also head voluntary movements and motor control can be impaired. This complex impairment leads to disability in peripersonal space exploration in daily life activities. The current work is aimed at evaluating if smoothness of voluntary head rotations is reduced in ICD.