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Repetitive training of compensatory steps: a therapeutic approach for postural instability in Parkinson’s disease

Neurologisches Rahabilitationszentrum Leipzig, University of Laipzig, 04828 Bennewitz, Germany

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr M Jöbges
NRZ Leipzig, Muldentalweg 1, 04828 Bennewitz, Germany; joebges{at}sachsenklinik.de

Background: Postural instability (PI) is a common and serious problem in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dopaminergic medication is of negligible use and a positive effect of deep brain stimulation on this issue has not been reported.

Objective: To develop a method of repetitive training of compensatory steps to enhance protective postural responses by using training strategies based on recent neurophysiological research.

Methods: Fourteen patients with PD took part in a multiple baseline design study and were trained for 14 days in an ambulant setting consisting of two daily sessions.

Results: After training, the length of compensatory steps increased and the step initiation shortened. In a gait analysis, the cadence and the step length increased, gait velocity improved, and the period of double support shortened. The "mobility" subscore of a quality of life questionnaire (PDQ-39) also improved. All these changes were significant (p < 0.05). These effects were stable for two months without additional training.

Conclusion: The repetitive training of compensatory steps is an effective approach in the treatment of PI and should be applied if PI is evident clinically or in a patient’s history.

Abbreviations: LOS, limits of stability test; PD, Parkinson’s disease; SOT, sensory organisation test; UPDRS, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; compensatory step; postural instability; gait analysis; protective postural response

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. T. Jessop, C. Horowicz, and L. E. Dibble Motor learning and Parkinson disease: refinement of movement velocity and endpoint excursion in a limits of stability balance task. Neurorehabil Neural Repair, December 1, 2006; 20(4): 459 - 467. [Abstract] [PDF]