Long-term Training Effects of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Gait in Patients With Parkinson's Disease
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Continuous Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation
- Sponsor
- University of Toronto
- Enrollment
- 60
- Primary Endpoint
- Fall Index
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 7 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Falls are common among patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and are the biggest contributors to loss of independent living, long-term institutionalization, and increased mortality.
The purpose of this study was to explore whether an at-home based Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) gait training program will decrease the number of falls in persons with PD with a history of falling. We also evaluated changes in clinical and kinematic parameters used to assess fall risk in this population.
Sixty participants diagnosed with idiopathic PD with at least 2 falls in the past 12 months, were randomly allocated into two groups. The experimental group trained daily with RAS for 24 weeks. The control group also trained daily with RAS, but discontinued training between weeks 8 and 16. During treatment patients walked for 30 minutes in a home based environment with metronome-click embedded music. Changes in clinical and kinematic parameters were assessed at baseline, weeks 8, 16, and 24.
Investigators
Michael H. Thaut
Professor
University of Toronto
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Hoehn \& Yahr (HY) stage III or IV
- •At least 2 falls in the past 12 months
- •Stable antiparkinsonian medication regime
- •Ability to ambulate independently for at least 50 m.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Other neurological or orthopedic conditions
- •Medically diagnosed hearing loss
- •Dementia (Mini Mental Status Exam score \< 24).
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Fall Index
Time Frame: Change of the number of fall incidents and severity from baseline assessed by the Fall Index 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks.
The Fall Index was computed based on self-reports by subjects or caregivers and classified as 1 (incomplete fall, lost balance but stabilized by another person or object), 2 (complete fall, no injuries) or 3 (complete fall, injury, medical attention required). A complete fall was defined as unintentionally coming to the ground with any body part above ankle. Higher Fall Index values indicate higher incidence of falls.
Secondary Outcomes
- Falls Efficacy Scale (FES)(Change in level of concern about falling from baseline assessed by Fear of the Falling Questionnaire/Short FES-1 at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks.)
- Berg Balance Scale (BBS)(Change in balance from baseline assessed by Berg Balance Scale at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks.)
- Timed Up and Go (TUG)(Change in balance and function from baseline assessed by Timed Up and Go at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks.)
- Gait(Change in gait from baseline at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks.)