Effects of curved-walking training on curved-walking performance and freezing of gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial

Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2017 Oct:43:20-26. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2017.06.021. Epub 2017 Jun 28.

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of curved-walking training (CWT) on curved-walking performance and freezing of gait (FOG) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods: Twenty-four PD subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to the CWT group or control exercise (CE) group and received 12 sessions of either CWT with a turning-based treadmill or general exercise training for 30 min followed by 10 min of over-ground walking in each session for 4-6 weeks. The primary outcomes included curved-walking performance and FOG. All measurements were assessed at baseline, after training, and at 1-month follow-up.

Results: Our results showed significant improvements in curved-walking performance (speed, p = 0.007; cadence, p = 0.003; step length, p < 0.001) and FOG, measured by a FOG questionnaire (p = 0.004). The secondary outcomes including straight-walking performance (speed, cadence and step length, p < 0.001), timed up and go test (p = 0.014), functional gait assessment (p < 0.001), Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale III (p = 0.001), and quality of life (p < 0.001) were also improved in the experimental group. We further noted that the improvements were maintained for at least one month after training (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: A 12-session CWT program can improve curved-walking ability, FOG, and other measures of functional walking performance in individuals with PD. Most of the improvements were sustained for at least one month after training.

Keywords: Curved-walking; Freezing of gait; Parkinson's disease; Turning-based treadmill training.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Exercise Test
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / etiology*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / complications*
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome*
  • Walking / physiology*