Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS