Impact of Walking Practice on Persons With PD

The Long Term Impact of Walking Practice on Functional Mobility and Quality of Life in Persons With Parkinson's Disease

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of a specifically designed leg brace on walking endurance in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

This is a randomized, repeated measures, matched group study. There will be three groups of participants, 20 participants per group, 60 participants total. Group one (G1) will receive custom-fabricated bilateral braces and a standardized home walking/exercise program. Group two (G2) will receive an off-the shelf ankle support and standardized home walking/exercise program. Group three (G3) will receive the standardized walking/exercise program without any brace or AFO. Subjects will be randomized upon enrollment in the study. Subjects will be followed for one year during this study and outcome measures will be collected 3 times over the course of the study. Subjects will be seen every 6 months for the duration of the study for testing as well as for other visits as noted in the table below.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease according to the UK brain bank criteria.5
2. Age between 30 and 90.
3. Ability to walk 150 feet independently over level surfaces with or without an assistive device.
4. Hoehn and Yahr stage 1-4.
5. Less than 10 full heel raises in single limb stance bilaterally.
6. Adequate insurance/funding to pay for physical therapy evaluation and AFO devices.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Body mass index greater than 40.
2. Passive dorsiflexion range of motion less than approximately neutral (90 degrees)
3. Any other uncontrolled health condition for which gait training is contraindicated