Atypical parkinsonisms are disorders that look similar to Parkinson’s disease, but respond differently to treatments. The “bicycle sign” can help clinicians differentiate between the two. Patients with atypical parkinsonism lose their ability to cycle during the early phase of the illness, while patients with Parkinson’s disease continue to ride well. Actual environments or situations for biking differ from one country to another, raising the question of whether the “bicycle sign” could be universally applicable. Hideto Miwa and Tomoyoshi Kondo, of the Department of Neurology at Wakayama Medical University, in Wakayama, Japan, set out to determine if the “bicycle sign” would be reliable in Japan, where the roads are hilly, narrow, and crowded with automobiles.
The study found that 88.9% of Japanese patients with atypical parkinsonism had ceased bicycling during the few years around the onset of their illness, as compared with only 9.8% of the patients with Parkinson’s disease. In fact, the prevalence of the “bicycle sign” may be much higher in Japan than in The Netherlands (51.5%), which is known as one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly countries. This may be because the tough bicycle environment in Japan makes it more difficult for atypical parkinsonism patients to bike.
“Although bicycling cultures may differ between countries, it is possible that the ‘bicycle sign’ could contribute to earlier and better differential diagnosis of parkinsonism during the diagnostic interview. When we see patients with parkinsonism without a definitive diagnosis, it is a simple thing to ask the question, ‘Can you still ride a bicycle?’” commented Dr. Miwa.
The article is “Bicycle Sign for Differential Diagnosis of Parkinsonism: Is It of Use in a Hilly Country Like Japan?” by Hideto Miwa and Tomoyoshi Kondo, Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. 1(2). DOI 10.3233/JPD-2011-11039. Published by IOS Press.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
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ABOUT THE JOURNAL OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE (JPD)
Launched in June 2011 the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease is dedicated to providing an open forum for original research in basic science, translational research and clinical medicine that will expedite our fundamental understanding and improve treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The journal is international and multidisciplinary and aims to promote progress in the epidemiology, etiology, genetics, molecular correlates, pathogenesis, pharmacology, psychology, diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It publishes research reports, reviews, short communications, and letters-to-the-editor and offers very rapid publication and an affordable open access option. www.journalofparkinsonsdisease.com
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