Abstract
Visual cues are known to improve gait in PD.This study explored two different visual feedback training interventions (6 weeks each) for Parkinson's disease. All PD subjects were matched for severity(UPDRS score) and height prior to the training and quasi assigned to one of three groups: treadmill walking, overground walking, or a non-training PD control group.Pre and post assessments included: the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, 30-second chair stand, timed up and go (TUG), and gait analysis on a GAITRite carpet.Both training groups used transverse lines as external visual cues that were placed either on treadmills or 16-meter carpets.Both groups were required to walk at a predetermined speed calculated in the pre-assessment with instruction to "take a step, with each heel hitting the line".To determine gait changes after the training intervention, a 3group x 2limb x 3trials repeated measures ANOVA was performed. The ANOVA showed a significant interaction for GroupxStepLength (F(2,39)=3.4820,p=.041), with a post hoc test confirming main effects in both treadmill and overground groups, with significantly increased step lengths (p=.012 and p=.018 respectively).Also, the TUG test revealed a GroupxTUG interaction (F(2,39)=4.048,p =.025);post hoc analysis indicated that the overground group had significantly better TUG times (p=.022) after the intervention.Results will be discussed in terms of how visual feedback may contribute to specific aspects of gait training in PD.
