The effect of arm restriction on dynamic stability and upper-body responses to lateral loss of balance during walking: an observational study.

When losing balance, upper-body movements serve as mechanical aids to regain stability. However, it remains unclear how these movements contribute to dynamic stability during recovery from a lateral loss of balance while walking with arm restriction. We aimed to (i) quantify the effect of arm restriction on gait stability and upper-body velocities and (ii) characterize upper-body kinematic strategies in response to lateral surface translations under different arm restriction conditions.

Heart-rate variability as a new marker for freezing predisposition in Parkinson's disease.

Introduction: Freezing of gait (FoG) is a debilitating symptom of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) characterized by a sudden, episodic stepping arrest despite the intention to continue walking. The etiology of FoG is still unknown, but accumulating evidence unraveled physiological signatures of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) around FoG episodes. Here we aim to investigate for the first time whether detecting a predisposition for upcoming FoG events from ANS activity measured at rest is possible.

Dopaminergic medication reduces interhemispheric hyper-synchronization in Parkinson's disease.

Introduction: We previously reported on interhemispheric cortical hyper synchronization in PD. The aim of the present study was to address the hypothesis that increased interhemispheric cortical synchronization in PD is related to dopamine deficiency and is correlated with motor function.

Methods: We studied participants with PD and characterized cortical synchronization with reference to brain regions.

Muscle activation profile is modulated by unexpected balance loss in walking.

Background: During an unexpected loss of balance, avoiding a fall requires people to readjust their footing rapidly and effectively. A deeper understanding of muscle activation patterns in response to unexpected balance loss will provide insights into the mechanisms of balance recovery responses. This could have implications for treatment of people with balance deficits.

Novel methodology for assessing total recovery time in response to unexpected perturbations while walking.

Walking stability is achieved by adjusting the medio-lateral and anterior-posterior dimensions of the base of support (step length and step width, respectively) to contain an extrapolated center of mass. We aimed to calculate total recovery time after different types of perturbations during walking, and use it to compare young and older adults following different types of perturbations. Walking trials were performed in 12 young (age 26.

Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the Narrow Path Walking Test in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis.

Background And Purpose: About 90% of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have gait instability and 50% fall. Reliable and clinically feasible methods of gait instability assessment are needed. The study investigated the reliability and validity of the Narrow Path Walking Test (NPWT) under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions for PwMS.

Pilates exercise training vs. physical therapy for improving walking and balance in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Evaluate the effects of a Pilates exercise programme on walking and balance in people with multiple sclerosis and compare this exercise approach to conventional physical therapy sessions.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Multiple Sclerosis Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.

A personalized, intense physical rehabilitation program improves walking in people with multiple sclerosis presenting with different levels of disability: a retrospective cohort.

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) endure walking limitations. To address this restriction, various physical rehabilitation programs have been implemented with no consensus regarding their efficacy. Our objective was to report on the efficacy of an integrated tailored physical rehabilitation program on walking in people with multiple sclerosis categorized according to their level of neurological disability.