Background/Aims Parkinson's disease interferes with the control of movement, which can cause changes in coordination. The aim of this study was to compare intralimb and interlimb coordination during gait in people with Parkinson's disease and in typically healthy people. Methods Participants were split into two groups. A total of 10 participants with Parkinson's disease were in the study group and 10 typically healthy participants were in the control group. All participants underwent a clinical evaluation, a gait kinematic evaluation for spatiotemporal variables and joint angle range of motion and an intralimb and interlimb coordination analysis. Results The duration of the stride, stance and swing phases of the gait cycle were longer in individuals with Parkinson's disease, who also displayed shorter stride length, slower speed and reduced cadence and joint range of motion than participants in the control group. Intralimb and interlimb coordination did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusions Participants with Parkinson's disease presented with alterations in spatiotemporal variables and joint range of motion but were able to adapt to the limitations imposed by the disease and accomplish a functional gait without undermining their intralimb and interlimb coordination pattern.
Interlimb coordination is impaired during walking in persons with Parkinson's disease
