Visual Feedback in Gait Training for Parkinson's Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Quincy J. Almeida, Haseel Bhatt
Primary Institution: Wilfrid Laurier University
Hypothesis
Does manipulating visual feedback improve gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease?
Conclusion
Both treadmill and overground gait training with visual cues improved step length and walking velocity in Parkinson's disease patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Both intervention groups improved step length and maintained improvements after a retention period.
- Only the overground group showed significant improvement in the TUG test.
- The treadmill group showed hints of improvement in motor symptoms.
Takeaway
This study shows that using lines on the ground can help people with Parkinson's disease walk better, even if they are on a treadmill.
Methodology
Participants were assigned to treadmill, overground, or control groups and underwent gait training for 6 weeks, with assessments before, after, and during a retention period.
Limitations
The study did not fully remove optic flow in the treadmill group, and the TUG improvements did not persist after the retention period.
Participant Demographics
Participants were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and matched for demographics; included both males and females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.003 for step length improvement
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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