Treadmill training combined with virtual reality improves the outcomes of patients with Parkinson’s disease

This study investigated whether treadmill training (TT) combined with virtual reality (VR) improves freezing of gait (FOG) in patients with Parkinson's disease. Researchers suggested that this therapy improved postural instability in these patients.

Parkinson's disease is a chronic disease that affects brain cells. These cells lose their ability in controlling body functions causing symptoms such as FOG. FOG is a brief absence or reduction of progressing forward despite the intention to walk. FOG is also associated with a higher risk of falling.

Prior studies, on fall prevention, showed positive effects associated with TT combined with VR. VR is a computer-made 3-dimension image that seems real and can be interacted with. However, it is not clear whether these benefits are still present in patients with Parkinson's disease and FOG.

This study included information about 121 patients with Parkinson's disease. Of these, 77 had FOG. These patients were assigned to receive TT with and without VR. The follow-up time was 6 months. FOG severity was assessed through questionnaires.

Balance and walking capacity improved in both groups, after treatment. However, effectiveness was not maintained at 6 months.

Patients with and without FOG experienced a greater reduction in falls after TT and VR when compared to TT alone. FOG severity did not change for patients with FOG, after both training types.  

This study concluded that treadmill and virtual reality training reduces falls without changing FOG severity in patients with Parkinson's disease.

This study had a limited number of measures for fall rates, balance and FOG. Further studies should have more frequent measures to understand the changes in overtime.