The Effects of Dual Tasks on Balance and Gait in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Critically Appraised Topic

Author

Kathy Dao, Messiah University
Emily Glass, Messiah University
Adrienne Maday, Messiah University
Stephen McLoughlin, Messiah University
Borko Rodic, Messiah University

Date of Award

Spring 2022

Document Type

Project Open Access

Abstract

● Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects over 10 million people globally.

● There is evidence to suggest that dual-cognitive tasks negatively impact the gait and balance of patients with PD.

● 19-38% of patients with PD will develop cognitive impairments.

● Higher level cognitive functioning dual tasks exacerbate freezing of gait episodes (FoG).

● Research shows potential improvement with dual-tasks during gait secondary to prioritization of motor task of walking.

Comments

This project was part of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA.

Recommended Citation

Dao, Kathy; Glass, Emily; Maday, Adrienne; McLoughlin, Stephen; and Rodic, Borko, "The Effects of Dual Tasks on Balance and Gait in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Critically Appraised Topic" (2022). Physical Therapy Student Scholarship. 8.
https://mosaic.messiah.edu/pt_st/8