Gait Training for People with Parkinson's Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Brauer Sandra G, Woollacott Marjorie H, Lamont Robyn, Clewett Sandy, O'Sullivan John, Silburn Peter, Mellick George D, Morris Meg E
Primary Institution: The University of Queensland
Hypothesis
Does dual task gait training improve walking performance in people with Parkinson's Disease compared to single task gait training?
Conclusion
The study aims to determine if dual task gait training can enhance walking performance and other related outcomes in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 4 million people worldwide are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, with gait disturbances being common.
- Falls are a significant risk for people with Parkinson's Disease, occurring in 50-68% of individuals each year.
- Previous studies indicate that strategy training can improve gait in the short term for people with Parkinson's Disease.
Takeaway
This study is trying to find out if practicing walking while doing another task can help people with Parkinson's walk better.
Methodology
A randomized controlled trial comparing single and dual task gait training over 12 sessions with assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 6 months follow-up.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from non-blinded physiotherapists and participants being aware of their group allocation.
Limitations
The study may have limitations related to participant attrition and the generalizability of findings to all individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
Participant Demographics
Participants are adults aged 18 and older with idiopathic Parkinson's Disease, scoring I-IV on the Hoehn and Yahr scale.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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