Influence of treadmill gait training with additional load on motor function, postural instability and history of falls for individuals with Parkinson's disease: A randomized clinical trial

Background: Evaluate the effects of additional load (5% and 10% of body weight) with treadmill gait training on the motor aspects in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Randomized controlled single-blind trial with 30 individuals with PD. The volunteers were divided into three groups (treadmill with 0%, 5% or 10% load), where Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale was applied. Treadmill gait training was conducted over 4 consecutive weeks, with three weekly sessions of 30 min each. Results: There was a significant reduction in all groups in the time factor for motor function (F = 12.92; P = 0.001) and postural instability (F = 11.23; P = 0.002). No significant difference was observed in group x time interaction (F < 1.76; P > 0.19). Conclusion: The treadmill comprises an effective therapy for people with PD, for important motor aspects such as motor function and postural instability. Additional load had no influence on results. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.