Article

PURPOSE: To study immediate gait changes in persons with PD when walking with
different assistive walking devices. METHODS: Ten individuals with idiopathic PD
participated in the study. Gait parameters were recorded while walking with a
cane and a wheeled walker, and were compared to a free walk without a walking
device. RESULTS: Persons with PD walked with slower gait speed when using a cane
and a wheeled walker compared to walking without any device (p = 0.007, p =
0.002, respectively). Stride length reduced significantly when walking with a
wheeled walker (p = 0.001). Walking with the assistive devices did not affect
cadence, double support phase, heel to heel base of support, stride time, and
stance period. CONCLUSION: Persons with PD immediately walked with slower gait
speed when using either a cane or a wheeled walker, and with shorter stride
length when walking with a wheeled walker. The results may lead to more cautious
clinical practice in gait rehabilitation using ambulatory assisted devices.

Langue : ANGLAIS