Effects of curved-walking training on curved-walking performance and freezing of gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial

Fang Yu Cheng, Yea Ru Yang, Yih Ru Wu, Shih Jung Cheng, Ray Yau Wang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of curved-walking training (CWT) on curved-walking performance and freezing of gait (FOG) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods Twenty-four PD subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to the CWT group or control exercise (CE) group and received 12 sessions of either CWT with a turning-based treadmill or general exercise training for 30 min followed by 10 min of over-ground walking in each session for 4–6 weeks. The primary outcomes included curved-walking performance and FOG. All measurements were assessed at baseline, after training, and at 1-month follow-up. Results Our results showed significant improvements in curved-walking performance (speed, p = 0.007; cadence, p = 0.003; step length, p < 0.001) and FOG, measured by a FOG questionnaire (p = 0.004). The secondary outcomes including straight-walking performance (speed, cadence and step length, p < 0.001), timed up and go test (p = 0.014), functional gait assessment (p < 0.001), Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale III (p = 0.001), and quality of life (p < 0.001) were also improved in the experimental group. We further noted that the improvements were maintained for at least one month after training (p < 0.05). Conclusion A 12-session CWT program can improve curved-walking ability, FOG, and other measures of functional walking performance in individuals with PD. Most of the improvements were sustained for at least one month after training.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)20-26
Number of pages7
JournalParkinsonism and Related Disorders
Volume43
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2017

Keywords

  • Curved-walking
  • Freezing of gait
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Turning-based treadmill training

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