The Influence of Physiotherapy on Some Gait Parameters in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Overview

18 patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease were evaluated (6 female and 12 male) in this paper. 16 corresponded to stage II of Hoehna and Yahr. The patients’ motor activity was evaluated according to the Parkinson activity scale (PAS).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of out patients’ rehabilitation dealing with certain aspects of their gait. Evaluation took place before and after specific kinesiotherapy for 10 weeks. After therapy there was a statistically significant improvement of the following parameters of the patient’s gait: shorter duration of the double support phase (p<0.01) and stance phase of left and right lower limits. After therapy there was no statistically significant change in motor activity according to the PAS. The results of individual categories of PAS correspond to the patient’s condition according to the stage of his disease as described by to Hoehn and Yahr.

Key words:
Parkinson’s disease, kinesiotherapy, gait, Parkinson activity scale