Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation Effects on Gait Variability in Individuals With Parkinson Disease and Freezing of Gait: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of automated peripheral stimulation (AMPS) in reducing gait variability of subjects with Parkinson disease (PD) and freezing of gait (FOG) treated with AMPS and to explore the effects of this treatment on gait during a single task (walking) and a dual task (walking while attending the word-color Stroop test).

DESIGN: Interventional, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

SETTING: Clinical rehabilitation.

PARTICIPANTS: Thirty subjects were randomized into 2 groups: AMPS (n=15) and AMPS sham (n=15).

INTERVENTIONS: Both groups received 2 treatment sessions a week for 4 consecutive weeks (totaling 8 treatment sessions). AMPS was applied by using a medical device (Gondola™) and consisted in mechanical pressure stimulations delivered by metallic actuators on 4 areas of the feet. Treatment parameters and device configuration were modified for AMPS sham group.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gait analyses were measured at baseline and after the first, fourth, and eighth treatment sessions.

RESULTS: Interactions among groups and sessions were found for both conditions while off anti-Parkinsonian medications. AMPS decreased gait variability in subjects with PD and FOG for both single and dual task conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: AMPS is an effective add-on therapy for treating gait variability in patients with PD and FOG.