title: The efficacy of quantitative gait analysis by the GAITRite system in evaluation of parkinsonian bradykinesia.
abstract: The aim of this study was to assess whether the GAITRite gait analysis system an effective tool in evaluating parkinsonian bradykinesia. In their best ON and worst OFF states, 13 parkinsonian patients were asked to perform walking trail at their fastest velocity, and to submit to traditional timed tests. Significant correlations existed between OFF-ON improvement in gait parameters and in UPDRS III score (r(2)=0.59-0.78) except cadence. Among the gait parameters, stride length is the most effective indicator of timed test and UPDRS III score improvements. The GAITRite system is an efficient, yet effective device in evaluating parkinsonian bradykinesia and can be used as a substitute for the traditional timed test.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Shih-Lin
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Chien
authors.forename: Shinn-Zong
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Chung-Chao
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Yi-Sheng
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Soong
authors.forename: Sheng-Huang
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Yu-Loong
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Hsin
authors.forename: Chi-Wei
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Shin-Yuan
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D018476:Hypokinesia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D007980:Levodopa / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D007980:Levodopa