The Effects of Heel Lifts on Dynamic Measures of Gait and Static Posture in Individuals with Parkinson’s disease

This study expands upon the Hastings et al (2018) on use of heel lifts to change static postural alignment in persons with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and further explores whether provide improvements dynamic gait parameters, Timed Up Go (TUG) scores, balance confidence. Outcome measures were taken without place, at two data collection dates. Photographs analyzed for using ImageJ software video was turning parameters utilizing Dite Temple scale. The Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale collected baseline after weeks lift use, otherwise outcome performed reverse order first second session account ordering, practice, fatigue effects. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests Pearson product correlation between degree plantarflexion contracture ABC overall confidence fall history. We found that head tilt angle turn time significantly improved (p = .037) .002) lifts. Turn correlated (r -.802, p .000) history -.501, .041). showed accommodating a lack ankle dorsiflexion range motion improves decreases as compared lifts, but has no significant effect step length, speed, or TUG score individuals PD. Because our work shows limited contributes real perceived difficulties healthcare providers working any population patients exhibiting problems should include this measurement their assessment consider intervention when limitations are found.