Characterizing Reactive Lateral Stepping in People with PD

Introduction: Lateral reactive stepping is correlated with impairment in people with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD). Despite this, there is little known of lateral stepping strategies and performance of these strategies in reactive stepping. Objective: To characterize step strategy in people with PD, characterize changes in these stepping strategies through training, and identify performance improvements in the lateral step strategies. Methods: A total of 31 PwPd who are currently at risk for falls took part in an 18-week various background reactive stepping intervention. The stepping strategies were assessed on two baseline assessments (B1 and B2) immediately followed by a 6- session step training intervention occurring over two weeks. Step strategies were again assessed immediately after training (P1) and two months later (P2). Initial outcomes were characterized step strategies, changes in step strategies, and improvement in performance of step strategies. Results: Three step strategies were established and split into two groups (no cross and cross). Changes in step strategies did not occur significantly both before and after training. Improvement in performance of the step strategies occurred at a significant amount (p=0.05) via a decrease in use of support after training occurred for any step strategies utilized. Conclusion: Step strategies were characterized, and performance of strategies was improved upon following the 2-week training. Lateral step strategies are defined and repeated throughout reactive step training with potential for improvement.