Relationship between brain structure sizes and performing rapid limb movements - A quantitative magnetic resonance study

In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between the size of c erebral structures evaluated by quantitative magnetic resonance technique a nd the ability of performing rapid-velocity limb movements. Forty-seven hea lthy women with a mean age of 43.4 years (range 22-68) were included. Exclu sion criteria were systemic diseases including alcoholism. Finger and ankle tapping were quantitatively recorded for both right and left extremities. A mean value for the right and left side was calculated. To determine atrop hy, we measured the area of the corpus callosum, the cerebrum and the cereb ellum on midline sagittal sections. On transverse images,the ventricle-to-b rain ratio,the bifrontal ratio and the bicaudate ratio were selected as atr ophy parameters. Also, the prevalence of white matter hyperintensities was assessed. Fifteen (32%) had hyperintense white matter lesions. Using simple regression analysis, the frequencies of both finger (r = 0.37, beta = -0.0 02, p = 0.022) and ankle (r = 0.35, beta = -0.001, p = 0.032) tapping were associated with reduced cerebellar size. No association was found for other atrophy parameters or the number of hyperintense white matter lesions. Thi s study indicates that impaired ability to perform fast limb movements may be related to a relative cerebellar atrophy. Copyright (C) 1999 S. Karger A G, Basel.