EFFECTS OF PALLIDOTOMY SURGERY ON GAIT OF SUBJECTS WITH PARKINSON??S DISEASE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the gait patterns of subjects (n = 15; age = 63 ± 10 years; years with PD = 13 ± 6) with Parkinson's disease (PD) who underwent Pallidotomy surgery. Ten trials for each subject were videotaped one month prior to and three months after surgery. Free gait velocity over a 3 m area was determined using photocells. The average velocity over the ten trials was determined and three trials within ± 5% of the average velocity were selected for analysis. Reflective markers were used to identify nine body landmarks (center of the head, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, heel, and fifth-metatarsal). Two-dimensional coordinates and kinematic data were computed using Peak Motion Analysis System. Stride length and joint ROM of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle of the affected side were determined from the 2D coordinates of the landmarks. Paired t-test's were used to determine the effects of the surgery (p < .05) on the kinematics variables. Statistically significant differences were found in free gait velocity, stride length, heel clearance, and hip ROM. In conclusion, the gait of subjects after pallidotomy surgery showed considerable improvements which involved an increased in gait velocity as a results of a greater stride length and an increase in hip ROM. The subjects were also able to elevate the foot more during the swing phase, which might help in the reduction of falls.