title: Walking ability after implantation of a pallidal stimulator: analysis of plantar force distribution in patients with Parkinson's disease.
abstract: This preliminary study aimed to analyse the roll-off of the foot during gait before and after implantation of a unilateral pallidal electrode in severely affected patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Five subjects were tested in a gait laboratory during the "on" phase of the medication cycle. Spatiotemporal variables demonstrated a pronounced increase of stride length and gait speed in three patients. Plantar force distribution and roll-off was considerably improved in one patient, which was not replicated in others. Gait analysis highlighted the variable effects found after surgery with a pallidal stimulator and might contribute to future studies into the effect of surgical procedures in PD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, University of Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nieuwboer
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: De Weerdt
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dom
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nuttin
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Peeraer
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pattyn