Bradykinesia
Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement, specifically decreased speed and amplitude of repetitive movements (Jankovic, 2008; Sawle, 2002). Planning, initiation, and execution of movement may be impaired during dual tasking and task sequencing (Jankovic, 2008). Bradykinesia can also involve clinical symptoms such as decreased
gesturing, drooling, impaired swallowing, dysarthria, loss of facial expression, reduced blinking, and
decreased arm swing during ambulation (Jankovic, 2008). Bradykinesia can significantly impact participation in daily activities which will be discussed later in occupational performance issues. Bradykinesia can be assessed by having individuals perform rapid, alternating movements of the upper body (finger tapping of thumb and index, pronation-supination) or lower body (heel tapping). In Parkinson's Disease, the speed and size of movement will decrease rapidly with time as opposed to other conditions such as depression or arthritis which will cause uniformly slow movements (Sawle, 2002).