Supported treadmill training for gait and balance in a patient with progressive supranuclear palsy.
OBJECTIVE
Impaired balance, gait disturbances, and frequent falls are common problems in people with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). This case report describes the use of a modified body weight support treadmill training program to reduce falls and improve the balance and gait of a patient with PSP.


METHODS
The patient was a 62-year-old man diagnosed with PSP. His major problems were impaired balance and frequent, abrupt falls.


METHODS
Physical therapy included walk training, balance perturbation, and step training using body weight support with a treadmill. Training sessions lasted 11/2 hours and occurred 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Fall incidence, balance, and gait were assessed before, during, and after the program.


RESULTS
The patient reported fewer falls during and after training. Balance and gait improved after training.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report is the first to report fall reduction, improved gait, and improved balance following physical therapy for a person with PSP.
Suteerawattananon
Monthaporn
M
School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University-Houston, 77030, USA.
MacNeill
Betty
B
Protas
Elizabeth J
EJ
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D013494:Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome