Efficacy of treadmill training and dual task cognition for freezing of gait in patients with parkinson’s disease : Randomized controlled trial

As Parkinsons Disease progresses individuals experience significant mobility limitations with freezing of gait emerging as one of the most disabling symptoms Despite advances in pharmacological management freezing of gait remains poorly controlled particularly in the advanced stages of the disease Non pharmacological interventions such as treadmill therapy and dual task cognitive training have demonstrated potential benefits in improving gait and motor performance in individuals with Parkinsons Disease however limited research has specifically focused on patients with advanced Parkinsons Disease This study aims to address the existing lack of evidence regarding the combined effects of treadmill therapy and dual task cognitive training on freezing of gait in patients with advanced Parkinsons Disease and the findings may provide valuable insights into effective rehabilitation strategies that can enhance independence and improve overall quality of life

MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY The study will be conducted as an interventional study with data collected from Dr Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Hospital Loni and Arihant Neuro Centre Nashik using a sample size of twenty participants selected through simple random sampling over a duration of one year Participants will include patients diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease The materials used for the study will include the Freezing of Gait Severity Scale Montreal Cognitive Assessment Unified Parkinsons Disease Rating Scale Hoehn and Yahr scale consent form assessment form and treadmill

INTERVENTION  Participants will be divided into two groups

Group A will receive cognitive training combined with treadmill therapy for eight weeks three days per week with each session lasting thirty to forty five minutes during which participants will perform cognitive tasks simultaneously with walking This integrated approach is intended to address both motor and cognitive components with the goal of improving walking pattern reducing freezing episodes and enhancing cognitive performance The cognitive tasks will include word retrieval activities such as recalling or classifying words basic arithmetic tasks such as simple addition or subtraction and auditory or visual tasks requiring responses to sounds or identification of colors or objects

Group B will receive standard physiotherapy focused on gait for eight weeks three days per week with each session lasting forty five minutes This intervention will aim to improve lower limb strength balance and functional mobility and will include balance training using static and dynamic activities obstacle negotiation tasks lower limb strengthening exercises targeting major muscle groups such as the quadriceps hamstrings and calves and gait training exercises to improve stride length cadence and smoothness of walking