Affiliations: [a] School of Health Professions, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA | [b] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA | [c] Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA | [d] Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Mon S Bryant, PT, Ph.D., Rehabilitation Research (153), 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston area, Texas 77030, USA. E-mail: mon.bryant@yahoo.com
Abstract: Introduction:Backward walking is difficult for persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is unknown how levodopa influences backward gait patterns, especially when compared to forward gait patterns. Purpose:Investigate the effects of levodopa on forward and backward gait patterns in individuals with PD. Design:A repeated measures design was used. Methods:The sample consisted of 21 individuals with PD (15 males, 6 females). Their mean age was 70.24 ± 8.69 yr. The average time since diagnosis was 11.81 ± 5.49 years. The median of the Hoehn and Yahr stage while ‘ON’ medication was 2.57. Gait patterns during forward and backward walking at a self-selected comfortable speed were recorded before and after taking levodopa on the same day. Results:Levodopa significantly increased gait speed and stride length and decreased the percent of the gait cycle (%GC) spent in double support. Gait speed and stride length were greater and the %GC spent in double support was less during forward walking compared with backward walking. Cadence was not changed by levodopa or walking direction. Conclusions:Levodopa improved gait characteristics during backward walking in a manner similar to that during forward walking in persons with PD.
