The effects of exergaming and treadmill training on gait, balance, and cognition in a person with Parkinson's disease: A case study

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) commonly impairs posture, gait, and cognition. Exercise in the form of aerobic activity as well as exergaming may improve motor ability and cognition in persons with PD. Exergaming and treadmill training can be a practical form of exercise within the home; however, there is minimal research on this combined multimodal intervention for persons with PD. Objective: We investigated the effects of this combined intervention on cognition, balance, and gait in a person with PD through supervised lab sessions augmented by home-based sessions. Methods: This case study utilized an ABA single subject experimental design with 4weeks of pre-intervention, followed by 8 weeks of intervention, and 4 weeks of post-intervention. The intervention consisted of treadmill walking and Xbox Kinect exergaming, 30minutes each, performed unsupervised at home and at supervised lab sessions. The two standard deviation band method was used to determine significance. Results: MiniBEST test, 2-minute walk distance, sway area, endurance test, and a few parameters of gait initiation and gait improved significantly throughout the intervention period. Only a few measures sustained the improvement 4weeks after completion of intervention. Conclusion: Eight weeks of treadmill and exergaming intervention with a person with PD improved static and dynamic postural control measures, but not gait, cognition, endurance, and clinical measures of balance. Longer and more intense multimodal intervention may be warranted.