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Downhill walking training in individuals with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial
Yang Y-R, Lee Y-Y, Cheng S-J, Wang R-Y
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 2010 Sep;89(9):706-714
clinical trial
6/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of downhill walking training on gait and thoracic kyphosis in patients with Parkinson's disease. DESIGN: Thirty-three patients with Parkinson's disease were randomized into an experimental group (n = 16) or a control group (n = 17). Subjects in the experimental group underwent 4-wks of downhill walking training, whereas subjects in the control group received conventional therapy for 4 wks. Gait parameters, thoracic kyphosis, and muscle strength of knee were measured at pretraining, posttraining, and at 1-mo follow-up. RESULTS: There were significant interaction effects between group and time of evaluation on gait parameters and thoracic kyphotic curve. There was also a significant group effect for muscle strength of knee extensors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that downhill walking training is beneficial for improving gait performance in patients with Parkinson's disease and may contribute to maintenance of thoracic posture in these subjects.

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