Effect of pelvic tilt exercise using pressure-based visual biofeedback training on the gait parameter in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

BackgroundGait and balance characteristics often appear altered in older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, no studies have examined the effects of pelvic tilt exercise on improvement in gait disturbances and pelvic tilt in older adults with AD. This study investigated the effect of pelvic tilt exercise using pressure-based visual biofeedback training (PVFT) on the gait and balance of older adults with AD. MethodsA total of 15 older adults with AD participated in the study. Subjects performed the pelvic tilt exercise using PVFT during the 4-week intervention that we had developed for training. At baseline and after the 4-week intervention, gait analysis was measured using the GAITRite system, and the pelvic tilt range was measured using a palpation meter (PALM). The Berg balance scale (BBS) was assessed at baseline and after the 4-week intervention program. The mean values of the gait parameters, the pelvic tilt range at baseline and after the 4-week intervention conditions were analyzed by paired t-test. ResultsSignificant differences (P<0.05) of mean values were found in the gait speed, stride length (left and right), pelvic tilt range and BBS scores after the 4-week intervention compared with baseline. ConclusionsOverall, the pelvic tilt exercise using PVFT improved gait speed, stride length, and pelvic tilt range after the intervention. These findings suggest that the pelvic tilt exercise with PVFT can be an effective training method with specific and simple techniques for improving gait disturbances in older adults with AD.