An observational study of functional screening tests in people with cervical dystonia

Cervical Dystonia (CD) is a neurological condition that causes the neck to involuntarily twist away from the midline and causes uncontrollable neck shaking and movement. The exact cause of CD is unknown, but many areas of the brain have been shown to be involved in CD, some of which are also important in controlling walking, balance and limb movements. This study used assessments common in physiotherapy clinics to investigate the walking, balance and arm function in people with CD. Twenty-two people with mild to moderate CD completed three questionnaires and eight physical assessments of walking, balance and arm function. We found that people with CD have more fear of falling over, worse upper arm (reaching) movement and exercise less than healthy people around the same age. Walking, balance and hand movements in people with CD were similar to healthy people. More research is required into why people with CD fear falling over and why they don’t engage in as much exercise as healthy people when their walking and balance appears to be normal. Further investigation into the problems of reaching and upper arm function in people with CD is also necessary. This knowledge could lead to the development of useful physiotherapy treatments for people with CD to ensure they can have the best quality of life possible.