Article

Gait impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients is characterized
by the inability to generate appropriate stride length. Treadmill training has
been proposed as a therapeutic tool for PD patients. However, it remains unknown
whether treadmill training effects are different from overground walking
training. Thus, our goal was to explore the effects of two training programs,
walking on a treadmill and walking overground, in PD patients. METHODS: 22 PD
patients were randomly assigned to a treadmill or overground training group. The
training program consisted of 5 weeks (3 sessions/week). Before and after the
program we evaluated gait kinematics during walking at preferred and maximal
speed; Timed Up and Go (TUG); static posturography and knee extensors strength.
Gait parameters were reevaluated in the treadmill training group one month after
the cessation of the training. RESULTS: Preferred speed walking improved in both
groups after the training program. The treadmill training program, but not the
overground, led to an improvement in the stride length at the preferred and
maximal walking speed in the PD patients. In addition, the treadmill training
group showed improvement of the TUG and static posturography tests. The
improvement in gait parameters was maintained one month after the cessation of
the treadmill training. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of a specific
therapeutic effect of treadmill training on Parkinsonian gait and balance.
Walking on a treadmill may be used as an easy, effective and accessible way to
improve the stride length and balance in PD patients.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS