Gait characteristics in individuals with Parkinson’s disease during 1-minute treadmill walking

Abstract

Background No previous study has examined the age-dependent characteristics of gait in individuals between 50 and 79 years simultaneously in healthy individuals and individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) over continuous gait cycles. This study aimed to investigate age-related differences in gait characteristics on individuals age ranged 50–79 years, including individuals with PD, during a 1-minute treadmill walking session. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the differences associated with spatiotemporal gait parameters and PD compared in age-matched individuals. Methods This study included 26 individuals with PD and 90 participants age ranged 50–79 years. The treadmill walking test at a self-preferred speed was performed for 1 min. The embedded inertial measurement unit sensor in the left and right outsoles-based system was used to collect gait characteristics based on tri-axial acceleration and tri-axial angular velocities. Results Participants aged >60 years had a decreased gait speed and shortened stride and step, which may demonstrate a distinct shift in aging (all p 50 years, including individuals with PD. Increasing age after 60 years is associated with deterioration in spatiotemporal parameters of gait during continuous 1-minute treadmill walking. Additionally, GA, PCI and the CV of all variables could be used to identify PD which would be placed after 70 years of age. It may be useful to determine the decline of gait performance in general and among individuals with PD.

Keywords

• Parkinson’s
• Gait
• Aging
• Inertial measurement unit
• Wearable sensor