Gait Changes With Walking Devices in Persons With Parkinson’s Disease
By Bryant, Mon S.; Pourmoghaddam, Amir; Thrasher, Adam; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Volume 7, Number 2, pages 149-152Publication Date: February 2012
Study investigated the immediate gait modifications in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) when using a cane and a wheeled walker. Participants were 10 men with idiopathic PD and a mean age of 68 years. The following conditions were performed: (1) walking without any device, (2) walking with an adjustable cane, and (3) walking with a wheeled walker. Participants were instructed to walk at their self-selected speed with the devices on a GAITRite electronic walkway to record their gait parameters. Participants with PD walked with slower gait speed when using a cane and a wheeled walker compared to walking without any device. Stride length was significantly reduced when walking with a wheeled walker. Walking with the assistive devices did not affect cadence, double support phase, heel to heel base of support, stride time, and stance period. The results provide initial evidence regarding how persons with PD modified their gait when walking with different devices. Implications for clinical practice in gait rehabilitation of persons with PD are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: GAITRITE SYSTEM
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
