Body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) is an important rehabilitative choice for neurologically impaired subjects such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of different percentages BWSTT on gait, balance, quality of life and fatigue in moderate to advanced PD. Thirty five patients were randomly assigned to one of the three groups according to the percentage unweighed: 0% BWSTT, 10% BWSTT and 20% BWSTT. All patients participated 30 minutes BWSTT sessions 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. Primary outcomes were 6 minute walk test (6MWT), Berg balance scale (BBS), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS); and secondary outcomes were Nottingham health profile (NHP), Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) which were performed at the beginning and end of the rehabilitation.
Body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) is an important rehabilitative choice for neurologically impaired subjects such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of different percentages BWSTT on gait, balance, quality of life and fatigue in moderate to advanced PD.