Polestriding Intervention Improves Gait and Axial Symptoms in Mild to Moderate Parkinson Disease.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of 12-week polestriding intervention on gait and disease severity in people with mild to moderate Parkinson disease (PD).

DESIGN

A-B-A withdrawal study design.

SETTING

Outpatient movement disorder center and community facility.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals (N=17; 9 women [53%] and 8 men [47%]; mean age, 63.7±4.9y; range, 53-72y) with mild to moderate PD according to United Kingdom brain bank criteria with Hoehn & Yahr score ranging from 2.5 to 3.0 with a stable medication regimen and ability to tolerate "off" medication state.

INTERVENTIONS

Twelve-week polestriding intervention with 12-week follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Gait was evaluated using several quantitative temporal, spatial, and variability measures. In addition, disease severity was assessed using clinical scales such as Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn & Yahr scale, and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39.

RESULTS

Step and stride lengths, gait speed, and step-time variability were improved significantly (P<.05) because of 12-week polestriding intervention. Also, the UPDRS motor score, the UPDRS axial score, and the scores of UPDRS subscales on walking and balance improved significantly after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Because increased step-time variability and decreased step and stride lengths are associated with PD severity and an increased risk of falls in PD, the observed improvements suggest that regular practice of polestriding may reduce the risk of falls and improve mobility in people with PD.