Diadochokinesis

Diadochokinesis (from the Greek diadochos - “alternating” and kinesis - “movement”) is the ability to quickly and rhythmically alternate oppositely directed movements.

This is an important characteristic of movement coordination. It reflects the functional state of the neuromuscular system and the cerebellum.

When testing diadochokinesis, the patient is asked to make rapid, repetitive movements of the hands and feet, such as pronation and supination of the hands or flexion and extension of the feet. The smoothness, symmetry and pace of these movements are assessed.

Violation of diadochokinesis can be observed with lesions of the cerebellum, extrapyramidal system and peripheral nervous system. Its analysis helps in the diagnosis of ataxia, parkinsonism, polyneuropathies and other diseases of the nervous system.

Diadochokinetic exercise - directed movement of the arms with the obligatory crossing of the arms with each other, leads to an increase in the plasticity of the human body based on motor memory and the development of strength qualities. This exercise is used in exercise therapy when there are restrictions in the movement of the hands and fingers,