The purpose of this study was to delineate the effects of training with visual cue-guided thoracic extension in standing (VCGTE) and during walking (VCGWTE) on gait and balance in individuals with PD.
Seven participants with PD (H&Y 1-3) were recruited. A laser light was attached to the elastic wrap placed at the top of the chest of each participant. For VCGTE, participants were asked to stand 18 inches away from the wall and bend backward slowly while focusing the light on horizontal lines placed on the wall. For VCGWTE, participants were asked to start walking 10 feet away from the wall while focusing the light on the circular target placed on the wall. They were asked to complete 2 sets of 10 repetitions of each task and continued to practice the same 2x/day, 7 days/week for 4 weeks. Kyphotic index, gait characteristics, and balance using TUG were assessed at the initial visit and after two and four weeks of practice. The Mean and SD of data were calculated. Statistical significance was defined as two SDs of change from the measures at the initial visit.
Gait velocity, cadence, step length, and stride length increased significantly while TUG scores and kyphotic index decreased significantly after two and four weeks of practice.
It appeared that practice with VCGTE, followed by the use of VCGWTE, improved gait, kyphotic index, and balance in individuals with PD.
This study shows a strong potential for using VCGTE and VCGWTE to improve gait and balance in individuals with PD. Keywords: Cue; Thoracic extension; gait; PD.
Parkinson's disease
Gait
