Article

Postural instability is a major unmet need in the treatment of Parkinson's
disease (PD) and its progression is not well understood. This study examined
compensatory stepping taken in response to a backwards waist pull in participants
with moderate PD (H&Y III) compared to age-range matched healthy controls (HC).
The first step in the response was quantified in terms of strategy, temporal,
kinematic, and center of pressure (COP) parameters previously observed to be
significantly different in mild PD (H&Y II) compared to HC. Patients with
moderate PD, compared to HC, utilized more steps to regain balance, had a longer
weight-shift-time, and utilized a base-width neutral step to regain balance.
However, there were no differences in ankle angle or COP location at landing as
observed in mild PD, possibly due to the use of the base-width neutral step.
These results suggest that moderate PD significantly impairs the compensatory
response to a backwards pull. Further study should examine the progression of
impairment in compensatory responses across PD severity levels, and the
correlation with fall risk.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS