Cogwheel rigidity tests?

[ramona]

I was wondering how they check for cogwheel rididity? I have a lot of rigidity in my muscles, but am not sure about the cogwheel part. ;)

Thanks
Ramona

[CarolynS]

Hope this helps to answer your question:

Rigidity
Rigidity of the muscles is a common finding in Parkinson's. The particular kind of rigidity which is characteristic of Parkinson's is termed cogwheel rigidity. This simply refers to the fact that when your doctor examines you and moves your limbs about to feel the tone of your muscle, s/he feels (and sometimes you feel or even see) a certain ratchet-like movement which resembles a cogwheel in motion. People rarely complain of rigidity of their muscles, but what they will notice is a feeling of stiffness and occasional discomfort, which may be related to the rigidity of the muscles.

Whole text here:
http://www.mydr.com.au/default.asp?article=3313