Objective: To investigate symptoms observed in patients with Parkinson’s Disease with camptocormia and prepare a protocol for physical therapy in addition to medical and surgical treatments.
Background: One of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is abnormal posture. Camptocormia which is rarely observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease described the extreme forward-bending trunk position known as “bent spine syndrome”. The most prevalent clinical symptom of this posture in older people is progressive thoracolumbar kyphosis due to increasing paraspinal muscular weakening. Camptocormia is a condition in which the trunk flexes abnormally when standing or walking but disappears in the recumbent position. Excessive involuntary trunk flexion is a clinical symptom of camptocormia, which is caused by the weakening of the extensor vertebral muscles.
Method: This study includes 7 Parkinson’s Disease patients with Camptocormia (5 male, 2 female mean-age: 73.5 years, mean-PD-duration: 16 years, H&Y range: 1.5-2.5) from Ataturk University Hospital participated in the study. PDQ (Parkinson Disease Questionnaire), UPDRS (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale), Berg Balance Score, Goniometer, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), Jenkins Sleep Evaluation Scale (JSS) and Swallow Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) were used for evaluation of their language, speech and swallowing functions, quality of life, and superficial postural situation. Depending on these symptoms, the recommended treatment protocol part is given in addition to medical and surgical treatments.
Results: In this study, a detailed evaluation of the patients and a treatment protocol were created. It is envisaged that this treatment protocol was offered as an alternative treatment in addition to medical and surgical treatments.
Conclusion: This case report presents detailed information on diagnosis criteria, medical and surgical treatments, symptoms and offers new physical therapy management of patients with Camptocormia.
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To cite this abstract in AMA style:
S. Calisgan, E. Calisgan, M. Ceylan, Y-E. Aktas. Current Concepts in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Protocol for Camptocormia: An Unusual Case Report [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2022; 37 (suppl 2). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/current-concepts-in-physical-therapy-and-rehabilitation-protocol-for-camptocormia-an-unusual-case-report/. Accessed June 15, 2025.« Back to 2022 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/current-concepts-in-physical-therapy-and-rehabilitation-protocol-for-camptocormia-an-unusual-case-report/