GAIT CHARACTERISTICS FROM MILD TO MODERATE FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON DISEASE

초록

Objective: Very few studies have been reported on the gait characteristics from mild to moderate for people with Parkinson disease. Understanding of gait deviations would be beneficial for treatment and rehabilitation planning. The purpose of this study was to compare gait characteristics for people with Parkinson disease (Hoehn and Yahr stage 1-3). Subjects and methods: Thirty-three (n=11 per group) people with Parkinson disease (mean age=61.4 years) participated in the study. The participants walked 3 times across the walkway of the GAITRite system at a self-selected speed. Dependent variables were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVAs with Bonferroni adjustments. Results: There were significant differences between Hoehn and Yahr stage 1, 2 and 3 for gait velocity, functional ambulation profile (FAP) score, and step extremity ratio. Significant differences between Hoehn and Yahr stage 1 and 3 were found for stride length and toe out angle. Significant differences between Hoehn and Yahr stage 2 and 3 were found for cycle time and HH base support (step width). Conclusion: This study has identified several gait characteristics that were significantly different between Hoehn and Yahr stage 1 and/or 2 and 3 group walkers. These preliminary results would support a baseline values for furthertherapeutic intervention