Objective: To evaluate the integration of optic flow and proprioception when people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), under and without dopaminergic medication effects, and matched-control group walked toward a target.

Background: Sensory and perceptual deficits have recently been identified in PD and may have an important underlying contribution to movement disorders. Traditional views of basal ganglia involvement in movement functions have been well established, while non-motor functions have only recently become recognized. Thus, there is a gap in our knowledge of how sensory-perceptual basal ganglia functions impact movement control.

Methods: Thirteen people with PD (OFF and ON dopaminergic state) and 13 age-matched healthy individuals walked, wore liquid crystal glasses for visual manipulation, along a pathway toward a red-LED target (two distances: 3m and 4m) that is presented for as much time as is needed by the participant. They were required to walk to the remembered target in three visual sampling conditions: dynamic (normal vision and proprioception), static (static visual samples and proprioception – 3Hz), and no vision (primarily proprioception condition). Participants walked at their preferred speed until they feel that their chest would be touching the object. Five trials of visual and distance condition were completed, with trials being randomized for both visual condition and distance. The kinematic data of walking and target accuracy were acquired by a 3D optoelectronic system. Anovas were calculated to answer the questions of study.

Results: The manipulation of vision and proprioception information decreased the target accuracy of both control group and people with PD (“ON” and “OFF” dopaminergic status) compared to dynamic condition. In addition, both groups decreased step length and velocity, and increased step width, step duration and double support time in static and no vision conditions compared to dynamic condition. The withdrawn of dopaminergic medication increased the variability of double support time.

Conclusions: Restrictions of vision and proprioception feedback decreased target accuracy in patients with PD and healthy older people. Both groups were seeking safety and balance during walking with impaired sensorial feedback. Finally, the dopaminergic medication did not improve target accuracy, but OFF dopaminergic status seemed to impair balance during walking.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/contributions-of-sensorial-feedback-to-gait-in-parkinsons-disease/