Acute Changes in Gait Characteristics in People with Parkinson's Utilizing Walking Sticks

<b>Introduction: </b>Nordic<b> </b>walking (NW) can positively impact gait parameters in people with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD) with long term use. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a short bout of NW in PwPD compared to self-selected walking.<br><b>Methods</b>: Nine individuals with PD performed 2-Minute Walk Tests (2MWT) in three separate trials; without the use of NW poles (Trial 1), with the use of NW poles (Trial 2), and a repeated trial without the use of NW poles (Trial 3). Gait characteristics were assessed using the APDM Opal system. Gait speed, stride length, and lateral step variability were analyzed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Perceptions about NW experience were recorded.<br><b>Results</b>: No statically significant changes were noted in gait speed (<i>p</i>= 0.766), stride length (<i>p</i>=0.594), or lateral step variability (<i>p</i>=0.600) from Trial 1 to Trial 3. Statistically significant reduction in gait speed (<i>p</i>=0.010) was noted from Trial 1 to Trial 2 and significant increase (<i>p</i>=0.004) from Trial 2 to Trial 3. Subjects reported using the walking poles improved sense of stability. <br><b>Discussion: </b>A short NW training session did not improve gait parameters suggesting more practice is required to gain benefits from this type of exercise. With enhanced sense of stability during NW, PwPD may utilize walking more for exercise to address declines associated with PD.<br><b>Conclusion: </b>PwPD felt more stable during NW and were willing to integrate NW into a walking program, even when short-term use did not improve gait parameters.<br> Key words: Parkinson’s Disease, Nordic walking, gait, balance