What type of rigidity is commonly associated with Parkinson's disease?

Lead pipe rigidity is the type of rigidity commonly associated with Parkinson's disease. This condition is characterized by a uniform resistance throughout the range of motion when a limb is passively moved. It is one of the hallmark signs of Parkinson's and reflects the underlying pathophysiology of the disease, which involves a deficiency of dopamine in the basal ganglia. This rigidity can affect any part of the body but is often most notable in the arms and legs.

In contrast to spasticity, which involves a velocity-dependent resistance to stretching due to upper motor neuron lesions, and flaccidity, which refers to a lack of muscle tone, lead pipe rigidity demonstrates a constant resistance regardless of the speed of movement. Co-contraction, while it involves simultaneous contraction of agonist and antagonist muscles, does not specifically characterize the rigidity seen in Parkinson's disease and is not as commonly recognized within the clinical presentation of the disorder.