Downhill walking training in individuals with parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial
Journal
American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Journal Volume
89
Journal Issue
9
Pages
706-714
Date Issued
2010
Author(s)
Abstract
Yang YR, Lee YY, Cheng SJ, Wang RY: Downhill walking training in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of downhill walking training on gait and thoracic kyphosis in patients with Parkinson's disease. Design: Thirty-three patients with Parkinson's disease were randomized into an experimental group (n = 16) or a control group (n = 17). Subjects in the experimental group underwent 4-wks of downhill walking training, whereas subjects in the control group received conventional therapy for 4 wks. Gait parameters, thoracic kyphosis, and muscle strength of knee were measured at pretraining, posttraining, and at 1-mo follow-up. Results: There were significant interaction effects between group and time of evaluation on gait parameters and thoracic kyphotic curve. There was also a significant group effect for muscle strength of knee extensors. Conclusions: Our results suggest that downhill walking training is beneficial for improving gait performance in patients with Parkinson's disease and may contribute to maintenance of thoracic posture in these subjects. © 2010 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
SDGs
Type
journal article