Similarities And Differences Of Gait Patterns In Women And Men With Parkinson's Disease With Mild Disability

Objective This study aimed to quantitatively investigate the existence of differences in spatio-temporal and kinematic parameters of gait in men and women with Parkinson’s disease (PD) using computerized three-dimensional gait analysis. Design Retrospective cohort study Setting Laboratory of Biomechanics Participants Thirty-five individuals with PD (17F, 18M) of mean age 70.7 years characterized by mild disability (Hoehn & Yahr ≤ 2.5) who were tested in “On” medication state approximately 60’-90’ after intake of the usual morning Levodopa dose. Intervention Not applicable Main outcome measures Spatio-temporal parameters of gait (speed, stride length, cadence, step width, duration of stance, swing and double support phases) and kinematics of hip, knee and ankle joints in the sagittal plane. Results Men and women exhibit similar spatio-temporal parameters, except for step width (wider in men). In contrast, relevant differences were found in terms of ankle kinematics. In particular, women presented increased ankle dorsiflexion through all the stance phase and mid-late swing phase, and reduced plantarflexion at the stance-swing phase transition. Conclusions Gait patterns of men and women with PD with mild disability are similar in terms of spatio-temporal parameters but characterized by marked differences as regards the ankle kinematics on the sagittal plane. The findings of the present study support the concept that investigations seeking to clarify the complex pathophysiology of PD-related gait disturbances should consider the role played by an individual's sex, thereby achieving more effective designing of physical/rehabilitative treatments.