TY - JOUR PY - 2014// TI - The effects of speed-dependent treadmill training and rhythmic auditory-cued overground walking on balance function, fall incidence, and quality of life in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial JO - NeuroRehabilitation A1 - Harro, C. C. A1 - Shoemaker, M. J. A1 - Frey, O. A1 - Gamble, A. C. A1 - Harring, K. B. A1 - Karl, K. L. A1 - McDonald, J. D. A1 - Murray, C. J. A1 - Vandyke, J. M. A1 - Tomassi, E. M. A1 - Vanhaitsma, R. J. SP - 541 EP - 556 VL - 34 IS - 3 N2 - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this single-blinded, randomized controlled study was to examine and compare the immediate and retention effects of progressive speed-dependent treadmill training (SDTT) and rhythmic auditory-cued (RAC) training on balance function, fall incidence, and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with PD. METHODS: Twenty participants (mean age 66.1 yrs) with idiopathic PD were randomized into either SDTT (n = 10) or RAC (n = 10) progressive, interval-based locomotor training for 6 weeks. Measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Rapid Step-Up Test (RST), Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ), and the NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Motor Control Test, and Limits of Stability (LOS). Fall incidence was assessed prospectively post-training based on six monthly self-report fall calendars. RESULTS: Significant gains in balance measures were observed post-training in BBS, RST and SOT for the RAC group and in RST, SOT and LOS for the SDTT group. Gains were retained at 3 months post-training in all measures for RAC group, but only the RST for the SDTT group. No clear trend in reduction in fall frequency was evident. CONCLUSION: Externally-cued locomotor training paradigms with progressive speed challenges produced significant improvements in dynamic balance function in persons with PD, with stronger retention of gains in RAC group.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1053-8135 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/NRE-141048 ID - ref1 ER -