Downhill walking training in individuals with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of downhill walking training on gait and thoracic kyphosis in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Design: Thirty-three patients with Parkinson's disease were randomized into an experimental group (n = 16) or a control group (n = 17). Subjects in the experimental group underwent 4-wks of downhill walking training, whereas subjects in the control group received conventional therapy for 4 wks. Gait parameters, thoracic kyphosis, and muscle strength of knee were measured at pretraining, posttraining, and at 1-mo follow-up.

Results: There were significant interaction effects between group and time of evaluation on gait parameters and thoracic kyphotic curve. There was also a significant group effect for muscle strength of knee extensors.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that downhill walking training is beneficial for improving gait performance in patients with Parkinson's disease and may contribute to maintenance of thoracic posture in these subjects.