O213 Importance of muscular strength for cardiovascular function in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Objectives Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized as imposing motor deficits that include bradykinesia, postural instability, tremor, and rigidity, attributed mainly to striatal dopaminergic degeneration. Non-motor changes, including muscular and cardiovascular dysfunctions, have received more attention recently. However, the effect of altered muscular strength on cardiovascular function. The current study examined the relationship of handgrip, leg, and arm strengths with central and peripheral cardiovascular function in PD. Methods Blood pressure and vascular measures as well as handgrip, shoulder, and leg strengths were obtained in 29 PD persons and 30 healthy control (CT). Results The data reveal that muscular and cardiovascular functions are altered (p Discussion These results suggest that deteriorated muscular strength and cardiovascular function are related. Additionally, developing muscular strength might contribute to improving cardiovascular function in PD. However, additional cross-sectional and longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings and to verify these speculations. Conclusions These results might suggest that improvement of muscular strength might contribute t to enhancing CV health. Significance The study further confirm the importance of muscular strength for PD patients.