Which description best matches the typical posture seen in Parkinson's disease?

Which description best matches the typical posture seen in Parkinson's disease?

• A. More flexed, poorly balanced, stiff and less sway
• B. Upright posture with normal balance
• C. Slumped with wide-based swaying
• D. Highly arched back with excessive sway

Answer: (A)

In Parkinson's disease, the postural pattern is a stooped, forward-flexed position due to rigidity and bradykinesia, with reduced arm swing and impaired postural reflexes that contribute to poor balance. The description of being more flexed, stiff, and showing diminished postural sway fits this classic Parkinsonian posture because it reflects the characteristic trunk flexion and rigidity that limit smooth, stable alignment. The other descriptions point to different problems: upright posture with normal balance isn’t typical in PD, slumped posture with wide-based swaying suggests cerebellar or sensory ataxia, and an excessively arched back with large sway aligns with other spinal or neuromuscular issues rather than Parkinson disease.

In Parkinson's disease, the postural pattern is a stooped, forward-flexed position due to rigidity and bradykinesia, with reduced arm swing and impaired postural reflexes that contribute to poor balance. The description of being more flexed, stiff, and showing diminished postural sway fits this classic Parkinsonian posture because it reflects the characteristic trunk flexion and rigidity that limit smooth, stable alignment. The other descriptions point to different problems: upright posture with normal balance isn’t typical in PD, slumped posture with wide-based swaying suggests cerebellar or sensory ataxia, and an excessively arched back with large sway aligns with other spinal or neuromuscular issues rather than Parkinson disease.