Citation

Stummer C, Dibilio V, Overeem S, Weerdesteyn V, Bloem BR, Nonnekes J. Parkinsonism Relat. Disord. 2015; 21(7): 755-757.

Affiliation

Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Rehabilitation, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.parkreldis.2015.04.025

PMID

25983112

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported a preserved ability to cycle in freezers, creating opportunities for restoring mobility and independence. However, use of a bicycle is not always feasible. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of a "walk-bicycle" in reducing freezing of gait (FOG).

METHODS: Eighteen Parkinson patients with FOG performed the following tasks, each four times, with and without the walk-bicycle: (1) normal walking; (2) walking with small steps, at normal speed; (3) walking with small steps, as rapidly as possible.

RESULTS: Seven patients showed FOG during walking without the walk-bicycle. In those patients, the walk-bicycle afforded a 12% reduction of time frozen (p = 0.026). In 11 patients no FOG was observed during walking without the walk-bicycle. Two of them showed FOG when using the walk-bicycle.

CONCLUSIONS: The walk-bicycle may help to reduce FOG in some patients, but not in all. Future studies need to evaluate its usefulness in a home environment.

Language: en