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Chapter 2 - Literature Review
Chapter 2 – Literature Review
In certain populations the ability to control motor functions is impaired
which may result in reductions in physical function and QoL. This
literature review examines such a movement disorder, specifically that
of ET and its impact, pathology and available rehabilitative options.
Tremor
Tremor has been defined in the Movement Disorder Society’s consensus
statement as the “rhythmical involuntary oscillation of a body part”
(Deuschl, Bain, & Brin, 1998, p. 1). In the healthy adult population,
involuntary tremor may be evident when performing fine motor tasks.
Incidence of this tremor, often described as physiological tremor,
becomes more prevalent in later life (R. Elble, 2009). Tremor may also be
symptomatic of pathology, such as the tremor seen in ET. As is the case
with ET, the pathophysiology of the condition and the resulting tremor
are not well understood and are under investigation (Lorenz & Deuschl,
2007). Pathological tremor may be categorised according to its
occurrence, with common descriptions being postural, resting, kinetic,
and intention tremor (Deuschl, et al., 1998). Further to this, tremor may
be triggered or enhanced by environmental factors such as a stressful
environment or social phobia (Louis, 2010a; Lundervold, Pahwa, &
Lyons, 2009; Lundervold & Poppen, 2004b).
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