Document Detail


Evaluation of a new device to prevent falls in persons with Parkinson's disease.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19565381     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
PURPOSE: To compare walking characteristics of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) using a new walking aid, the WalkAbout, with usual walking.
METHOD: Fifteen subjects with PD were recruited. Subjects walked in their usual fashion and then walked again in the WalkAbout. Gait parameters, 5-min walk, and oxygen consumption were recorded.
RESULTS: Stride lengths were shorter when using the WalkAbout. On an average, the distance walked in 5 min and the oxygen uptake was not different when walking with the WalkAbout compared with the usual walk. Eight subjects (responders) walked further with the WalkAbout compared to their usual walk (164.90 +/- 55.72 m vs. 140.82 +/- 55.94 m). Seven subjects (non-responders) walked a shorter distance while using the WalkAbout compared to their usual walk (241.79 +/- 73.06 m vs. 281.24 +/- 82.83 m). Compared to non-responders, responders were older, had more severe disability, and were more likely to use an assistive device for walking. Responders walked more slowly, had a shorter stride length, and walked shorter distances in 5 min than non-responders.
CONCLUSION: The WalkAbout may help persons with PD who have more severe disability to walk farther. These data could be beneficial in selecting a helpful walking aid for persons with PD.
Authors:
Mon S Bryant; Diana H Rintala; Eugene C Lai; Mary L Raines; Elizabeth J Protas
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology     Volume:  4     ISSN:  1748-3115     ISO Abbreviation:  Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol     Publication Date:  2009 Sep 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-08-12     Completed Date:  2009-12-22     Revised Date:  2011-05-04    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101255937     Medline TA:  Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  357-63     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
School of Health Professions, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA. mon.bryant@yahoo.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Female
Gait
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Oxygen Consumption
Parkinson Disease / metabolism,  physiopathology,  rehabilitation*
Walkers*
Walking
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
R01 HD051844-04/HD/NICHD NIH HHS; R01 HD051844-06/HD/NICHD NIH HHS
Comments/Corrections

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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