The Effect of an Interventional Movement Program on the Mechanical Gait Characteristics of a Patient with Dementia

Abstract

We investigated the effect of an occupational therapy movement program (OTMP) on the specific mechanical characteristics of walking in a person with dementia. The hip joint of the patient’s dominant limb was examined for flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and internal or external rotation movements. This study included simple gait and dual-task gait conditions, with motor and cognitive tasks performed simultaneously. Neuropsychological scales and the gait analysis system (Vicon) were used to assess the patient pre- and post-intervention. Following the OTMP, statistically significant improvements were observed in hip movements, including flexion/extension, adduction/abduction, and internal/external rotation. These findings suggest that the OTMP can enhance hip mechanical gait characteristics and potentially contribute to functional independence in individuals with dementia.

Keywords

• dementia
• gait analysis
• hip
• occupational therapy