Article

Backward walking is difficult for persons with Parkinson's disease
(PD). It is unknown how levodopa influences backward gait patterns, especially
when compared to forward gait patterns. PURPOSE: Investigate the effects of
levodopa on forward and backward gait patterns in individuals with PD. DESIGN: A
repeated measures design was used. METHODS: The sample consisted of 21
individuals with PD (15 males, 6 females). Their mean age was 70.24 +/- 8.69 yr.
The average time since diagnosis was 11.81 +/- 5.49 years. The median of the
Hoehn and Yahr stage while 'ON' medication was 2.57. Gait patterns during forward
and backward walking at a self-selected comfortable speed were recorded before
and after taking levodopa on the same day. RESULTS: Levodopa significantly
increased gait speed and stride length and decreased the percent of the gait
cycle (%GC) spent in double support. Gait speed and stride length were greater
and the %GC spent in double support was less during forward walking compared with
backward walking. Cadence was not changed by levodopa or walking direction.
CONCLUSIONS: Levodopa improved gait characteristics during backward walking in a
manner similar to that during forward walking in persons with PD.

Langue : ANGLAIS