Journal of Translational Neurosciences

Rehabilitation of Brain Disorders resulting in pathological gait and low quality of life: Focus on Parkinsonian Gait

The Parkinsonian gait with tendency to frequent falls is a characteristic movement deviation in Parkinson’s disease. Steps are short and shuffling with rapid cadence. Tendency to frequent fallsisinevitable. With generally reduced physical activity due to fear of fall the Quality of Life [QoL] of the patient with Parkinson disease [PDP] is low. Our study compared two physiotherapeutic regimes on balance confidence, gait and QoL of PDP. “A Comparison of Virtual Reality Gaming and Activity based Gait and Balance Training on Physical Functioning and Quality of life in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease”. • Our study reported no significant difference in outcome measures between Virtual Reality Gaming and Activity Based Gait and Balance Training in Physiotherapy. • Study also demonstrated that both Virtual Reality Gaming and Activity-based gait and balance training led to significant improvements in balance, step length, stride length, gait velocity, cadence and quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease. • The results were/are without prejudice to the patients’ compliance with their medications. • Our findings • Led to the establishment of PD support group in the Physiotherapy Department of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. • Sessions Hold Once every Month. • Talks were/are given, and patients could/can ask questions. • Patients have improved attendance and access to quality rehabilitation.

Matthew Olaogun, Morenikeji Komolafe, Abiola Ogundele and Adebimpe Obembe