Affiliations: [a] New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA | [b] Physical Therapy Program, Biology Department, City University of New York, College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Robert L. Freedland, Ph.D., NYS Institute for Basic Research, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA. Tel.: +1 718 494 5278; Fax: +1 718 494 4840; E-mail: fresi@cunyvm.cuny.edu
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the Functional Ambulation Performance Score (FAP; a quantitative gait measure) in persons with Parkinson's Disease (PD) using the auditory stimulation of a metronome (ASM). Participants (n = 16; 5F/11M; range 60–84 yrs.) had a primary diagnosis of PD and were all independent ambulators. Footfall data were collected while participants walked multiple times on an electronic walkway under the following conditions: 1) PRETEST: establishing baseline cadence, 2) ASM: metronome set to baseline cadence, 3) 10ASM: metronome set to 10% FAP scores increased between PRETEST and POSTTEST. PRE/POSTTEST comparisons also indicated decreases in cycle time and double support and increases in step length and step-extremity ratio (step length/leg length). The results confirm prior findings that auditory stimulation can be used to positively influence the gait of persons with PD and suggest beneficial effects of ASM as an adjunct to dopaminergic therapy to treat gait dysfunctions in PD.
