Evaluation of a new device to prevent falls in persons with Parkinson's disease.

Purpose: To compare walking characteristics of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) using a new walking aid, the WalkAbout, with usual walking.

Method: Fifteen subjects with PD were recruited. Subjects walked in their usual fashion and then walked again in the WalkAbout. Gait parameters, 5-min walk, and oxygen consumption were recorded.

Results: Stride lengths were shorter when using the WalkAbout. On an average, the distance walked in 5 min and the oxygen uptake was not different when walking with the WalkAbout compared with the usual walk. Eight subjects (responders) walked further with the WalkAbout compared to their usual walk (164.90 +/- 55.72 m vs. 140.82 +/- 55.94 m). Seven subjects (non-responders) walked a shorter distance while using the WalkAbout compared to their usual walk (241.79 +/- 73.06 m vs. 281.24 +/- 82.83 m). Compared to non-responders, responders were older, had more severe disability, and were more likely to use an assistive device for walking. Responders walked more slowly, had a shorter stride length, and walked shorter distances in 5 min than non-responders.

Conclusion: The WalkAbout may help persons with PD who have more severe disability to walk farther. These data could be beneficial in selecting a helpful walking aid for persons with PD.