Objective: To examine associations among knee extensor strength (KES), torque generation during knee extension quantified by the area under the torque–time curve (AUC), and functional mobility in individuals with parkinsonian disorders.

Background: Muscle weakness and bradykinesia contribute to impaired mobility in parkinsonian disorders, but relationships between muscle strength, torque generation, and functional mobility remain incompletely understood.

Method: Eight patients with parkinsonian disorders were analyzed (PD n = 6, PSP n = 1, and MSA-P n = 1). Mean age was 64.3 ± 14.4 years; four were female. Median Hoehn and Yahr stage was 4 (range 1–4). Bilateral KES and knee extension torque were measured, and AUC was calculated as an index of cumulative torque generation. Functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and Mini-BESTest. Pearson correlations and linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate associations among variables.

Results: Left KES showed a strong positive correlation with AUC (r = 0.982, p < 0.001). Greater left KES was associated with faster TUG performance (r = −0.902, p = 0.014). In mixed-effects models, KES significantly predicted AUC for both the left (estimate = 2.91, SE = 0.27, p < 0.001) and right (estimate = 2.07, SE = 0.37, p = 0.0014) knees. TUG was not a significant predictor of AUC.

Conclusion: Knee extensor strength is strongly associated with torque generation during knee extension and relates to functional mobility in parkinsonian disorders. Combined assessment of muscle strength and torque dynamics may provide clinically relevant information for motor evaluation and rehabilitation planning.

« Back to 2026 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/knee-extensor-strength-is-associated-with-torque-generation-and-mobility-in-parkinsonian-disorders/