Multiple-task walking training in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether multiple-task training of walking is feasible and worthwhile in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease.


METHODS
Baseline-controlled pilot study with three-week baseline, training and retention phases.


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
Five people aged 61 +/-8 years with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr stages II-III).


METHODS
Multiple-task training was performed for 30 minutes once a week during the three-week training phase.


METHODS
Participants were tested and trained during the 'on' phase of medication. Feasibility of training was examined using 10 cm visual analogue scales to measure participant perception of mental fatigue, physical fatigue, difficulty, anxiety and confidence. Walking velocity, stride length and cadence under multiple-task conditions were measured.


RESULTS
Participants reported low levels of mental fatigue, physical fatigue, difficulty and anxiety as well as high levels of confidence associated with multiple-task training. No adverse effects of training were reported. Multiple-task walking velocity increased by 0.09 +/- 0.06 m/s (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02 to 0.16) between the baseline and training phase and this increase was maintained in the retention phase.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple-task training is feasible in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. The data suggest sustained benefits on multiple-task walking velocity are possible. A randomized controlled trial of multiple-task training efficacy is warranted.
Canning
Colleen G
CG
Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia. c.canning@usyd.edu.au
Ada
Louise
L
Woodhouse
Elke
E
D000368:Aged; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology