Short communicationP 044 – Effects of the Equistasi® neurological rehabilitation’s device on Parkinson’s disease patients’ gait
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition, characterized by a dopamine deficiency causing tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and gait problems mainly arising from dopamine deficiency [1]. Gait disturbance is a key component of motor disability in PD patients, particularly, the gait cycle is influenced by rigidity, postural instability and camptocormic posture; in parkinsonians the stride and speed of the gait are decreased [2].
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Research question
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Equistasi®, a wearable device based on focal mechanical vibration proposed as an innovative rehabilitative strategy for the treatment of motor symptoms in people affected by PD.
Methods
Ten PD patients participated in the study (BMI 25.7 ± 2.5 kg/m2, age 70.6 ± 6.4 years). Subjects walked barefoot at their preferred walking speed on a 8 m walkway at BioMovLab (University of Padua) before and after 4 weeks of Equistasi® device treatment. A minimum of three walking trials per subject were collected. Gait analysis was performed with 6 cameras stereophotogrammetric system synchronized with 2 force plates and a surface electromyography (SEMG) system (FREEEMG1000, 1000 Hz, BTS). The
Results
After treatment the following changes were observed (see Fig. 1A and B): cadence and step width decreased, stride time and stride length increased, the stance phase decreased and the swing phase increased (p < 0.03, Paired t-test). With respect to joints kinematics, an increment in pelvis rotation, in trunk obliquity and rotation were highlighted (p < 0.04). Pearson’s correlation showed that ankle and knee angles range of motion were increasing accordingly to GL’s PoE increment. Mean and
Discussion
Beside the small number of subjects, the adoption of Equistasi leaded to encouraging results, assessing a positive effect of the mechanical focal vibration as stimulation of proprioceptive system in PD’s patients. These effects may open a new possibility on PD’s management.
References (3)
Parkinsonism Relat. Disord.
(2010)