Abstract
[Purpose] The displacement of center of pressure (DCOP) and the distribution of foot pressure (DFP) in standing was investigated in elderly subjects with and without Parkinson’s disease (PD). [Subjects] Eight PD and 8 healthy elderly subjects participated in this study. [Methods] Subjects were asked to perform a series of forward-backward body sway movements when standing on a pressure plate. The DCOP of the two groups was compared and the relationships between DCOP and DFP were analyzed. [Results] Compared to the normal elderly, the peak DCOP (% foot length) was significantly decreased in the PD group. The partial regression coefficients were found to be lower in the toes but higher in the metatarsal area in the PD group. [Conclusion] The decreased voluntary body sway of the PD patients might be a result of the decreased DFP at the toes during stance. Tasks such as bringing weight from the mid- to the fore-foot area may be helpful in PD patients’ balance training.
