Objective: This study examined the effect of climate change on spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, providing insights into potential interventions to improve gait performance in the context of changing climate conditions.

Background: Recent studies have suggested a link between climate and Parkinson’s disease (PD) gait, with colder temperatures and higher humidity associated with worsened gait.  Thus, understanding this relationship could provide insights into potential interventions to improve gait performance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease in the context of changing climate conditions

Method: The mechanisms and mitigation of climate change effects on Parkinson’s disease spatiotemporal gait parameters were the themes discussed with the evidence retrieved from searches of PubMed, Medline journals, Academic Search Complete via EBSCOhost, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science databases and Google scholars. The University of KwaZulu-Natal gave access to these databases.

Results: The mechanism of climate change on Parkinson’s gait parameters is not fully understood, but it is believed that extreme temperatures and humidity levels can worsen symptoms such as tremors and stiffness, which can significantly affect spatiotemporal gait parameters such as stride length, velocity, and cadence. Climate change can also lead to an increase in air pollution and pesticides, extreme weather events, and the spread of infectious diseases, all of which can negatively impact cardiovascular health, which can impact gait in people with PD. Rising temperatures can also directly affect heart rate and blood pressure, further exacerbating cardiovascular issues. These cardiovascular changes can affect gait in people with PD by reducing the blood flow to the muscles, leading to fatigue and decreased endurance during physical activity. Potential interventions may include tailored exercise programmes, assistive devices, and environmental modifications to promote safe and effective gait performance.

Conclusion: Parkinson’s disease’s spatiotemporal gait parameters may become worse due to climate change, necessitating environmental changes and gait improvement techniques. The current evidence is not enough to fully comprehend this relationship and its potential implications for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease; more primary research is required.

References: 1. American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). (2023). How Geography, high altitude and cold weather can play a role. Retrieved from: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/high-altitude-cold-weather-effects-parkinsons/
2. Peters, A., & Schneider, A. (2021). Cardiovascular risks of climate change. Nature Reviews Cardiology, 18(1), 1-2.
3. Willis, A. W., Evanoff, B. A., Lian, M., Criswell, S. R., & Racette, B. A. (2010). Geographic and ethnic variation in Parkinson disease: a population-based study of US Medicare beneficiaries. Neuroepidemiology, 34(3), 143-151.
4. Parkinson’s UK(Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom). https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/keeping-cool-summer
5. Ottosson, J., Lavesson, L., Pinzke, S., & Grahn, P. (2015). The significance of experiences of nature for people with Parkinson’s disease, with special focus on freezing of gait—the necessity for a biophilic environment. A multi-method single subject study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 12(7), 7274-7299.
6. Aitken, W. W., Brown, S. C., & Comellas, A. P. (2022). Climate Change and Cardiovascular Health. Journal of the American Heart Association, 11(24), e027847.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/parkinsons-disease-and-spatiotemporal-gait-parameters-a-narrative-review-of-effect-of-climate-changes-as-a-mediating-effect/