Tremors: A concept analysis

Abstract

Aim: This article seeks to clarify and define the concept of tremors. Design: The Walker & Avant (2005) concept analysis method was followed. Methods: A search of PubMed, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, ERIC, Google and Google Scholar was performed. Results: Through this process, uses of the concept were assessed including definitions and categories of tremors. Defining attributes were found to include “movement disorder,” “shaking motions,” “involuntary,” “oscillatory,” “rhythmic,” “not painful or life threatening,” “always present but variable” and “can sometimes be repressed.” We identified two model cases and a borderline case, antecedents, consequences and empirical referents (including measurement tools) of tremors. Conclusion: The concept analysis process has clarified and illuminated an operational definition of tremors: that tremors are a movement disorder characterized by shaking motions that are involuntary, oscillatory, rhythmic, non-painful, always present although vary in severity, and can be repressed by changing posture or going into a rest position.