Effectiveness of speed and inclination variants of treadmill on gait parameters in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Gait in Parkinson’s disease is characterized by reduced stride length, speed and cadence which is due to lack of internal cueing, thus to compensate external cues are required. The treadmill helps to normalize gait parameters and rhythm by acting as an external cue. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of treadmill speed and inclination variants on gait parameters in patients with Parkinson's disease. Based on the inclusion criteria, six participants for this study were recruited. Their average comfortable walking speed was assessed and divided into three categories as 80%, 100%, and 120%. There was a treadmill intervention where the inclination percentage was zero for the first week and the comfortable walking speed (CWS) on Day 1 was 80%, 100% on Day 2, and 120% on Day 3. With the same treatment, the inclination percentage was increased to 6% and 9% in the second and third weeks. Pre- Post speed and stride length was evaluated. A slight mean improvement of 0.07 kmph to 0.62 kmph was observed in the lower parameters like 0% inclination with 80- 120% CWS whereas a mean reduction of 0.6 to 0.8 kmph was noticed.in the higher parameters where speed and inclination was maximum. It can be affirmed that 0% and 6% inclination with 100 and 120 CWS has a better outcome in terms of stride length and gait speed.