Effects of Heels Lift on the Posture and Gait in Patients with Parkinsonism

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the severity of Parkinsonism and the effects of heels lift on the postural sway in standing and walking abilities. A total of 29 patients with Parkinsonism (mean age 66.5 years) were participated in the study and classified by the severity scale of Yahr into 3 groups, mild (n = 12), moderate (n = 11), and severe (n = 6). Also 10 normal controls were enrolled. The postural sway was measured with the center of pressure moniter in 2 heels conditions (normal and with the heels lifted) and 3 standing conditions (static, lateral shift, anterior-posterior shift). There were no significant effects of the lifting heels on any items for normal controls. Analysis of variance revealed that moderate group showed significant improvement in all measured variables, whereas mild and severe groups showed significant improvement in dynamic balance and static balance, respectively.