Effects of Speed-Dependent Treadmill Training on Dual Task Performance in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Rahma Hameed, Maira Pervez
Purpose:

The major reason for undertaking this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of speed-dependent treadmill training, specifically comparing moderate and slow speeds, on improving dual-task performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dual-tasking is particularly challenging for PD patients and significantly increases their risk of falls, thus affecting their independence and quality of life. This study aimed to determine whether speed variation during treadmill training could improve not only dual-task performance but also balance and motor function in PD patients. A secondary objective was to identify which speed—moderate or slow—would provide better outcomes in terms of balance and motor function improvements.

Methods:

A randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 24 PD patients divided into two groups. The experimental group received moderate-speed treadmill training (3 km/h), while the control group received slow-speed treadmill training (1 km/h). Both groups underwent 30-minute treadmill sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks, alongside strengthening and stretching exercises. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III), and dual-task walking speed, assessed pre- and post-intervention.


Results:

The moderate-speed treadmill group showed significant improvements in UPDRS-III (p ≤ 0.05) and dual-task walking speed (p ≤ 0.05), while the slow-speed group demonstrated better results in the BBS (p ≤ 0.05). Between-group analysis revealed significant differences in dual-task performance (p ≤ 0.05) but not in BBS scores (p = 0.063).



Conclusion(s):

Speed-dependent treadmill training improves dual-task performance in Parkinson's patients. Moderate-speed training is more effective in enhancing motor function and dual-tasking abilities, while slow-speed training provides greater improvement in balance.

Implications:

Treadmill training, tailored to individual speed tolerance, can enhance motor and cognitive functions in PD patients, reducing fall risks and improving quality of life.



Funding acknowledgements:
This research was conducted without external funding or financial support
Keywords:
dual-task performance
motor function
Parkinson’s disease
Primary topic:
Neurology: Parkinson's disease
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
This study was approved by the Ethics Research Committee at Riphah International University and General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
Provide the ethics approval number:
REC/RCR&AHS/23/0223
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
Yes

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