Citation

Cole MH, Silburn PA, Wood JM, Kerr GK. Parkinsonism Relat. Disord. 2011; 17(8): 610-616.

Affiliation

Movement Neuroscience Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia; School of Human Movement Studies, Queensland University of Technology, Australia; School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.parkreldis.2011.05.019

PMID

21676644

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Real-world environments comprise surfaces of different textures, densities and gradients, which can threaten postural stability and increase falls risk. However, there has been limited research that has examined how walking on compliant surfaces influences gait and postural stability in older people and PD patients. METHODS: PD patients (n = 49) and age-matched controls (n = 32) were assessed using three-dimensional motion analysis during self-paced walking on both firm and foam walkways. Falls were recorded prospectively over 12 months using daily falls calendars. RESULTS: Walking on a foam surface influenced the temporospatial characteristics for all groups, but PD fallers adopted very different joint kinematics compared with controls. PD fallers also demonstrated reduced toe clearance and had increased mediolateral head motion (relative to walking velocity) compared with control participants. CONCLUSIONS: Postural control deficits in PD fallers may impair their capacity to attenuate surface-related perturbations and control head motion. The risk of falling for PD patients may be increased on less stable surfaces.

Language: en