AI Article Synopsis
- Visual cues can enhance walking in people with Parkinson's disease, but the role of optic flow is still debated.
- A study involving 42 participants examined the effects of two types of gait training (treadmill and overground) with transverse lines over six weeks.
- Both training methods improved step length and walking speed, but only the overground group showed improvement in the TUG test, while the treadmill group hinted at benefits for motor symptoms, suggesting gait improvements can occur even with reduced optic flow.
Article Abstract
Visual cues are known to improve gait in Parkinson's disease (PD); however, the contribution of optic flow continues to be disputed. This study manipulated transverse line cues during two gait training interventions (6 weeks). PD subjects (N = 42) were assigned to one of three groups: treadmill (TG), overground (OG), or control group (CG). Participants walked across lines placed on either treadmills or 16-meter carpets, respectively. The treadmill (TG) offered a reduced dynamic flow from the environment, while lines presented on the ground (OG) emphasized optic flow related to the participant's own displacement. Both interventions significantly improved (and maintained through retention period) step length, thus improving walking velocity. Only the OG improved in the TUG test, while only the TG showed hints of improving (and maintaining) motor symptoms. Since gait improvements were found in both training groups, we conclude that by reducing optic flow, gait benefits associated with visual cueing training can still be achieved.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3177092 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/508720 | DOI Listing |
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