The harmonic structure of walking relies on an irrational number called the golden ratio (φ): in healthy subjects, it coincides with the stride-to-stance ratio, and it is associated with a smooth gait modality. This smoothness is lost in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), due to deficiencies in the execution of movements. However, external auditory cues seem to facilitate movement, by enabling the timing of muscle activation, and helping in initiating and modulating motor output. Based on a harmonic fractal structure of gait, can the administration of an auditory cue based on individual’s φ-rhythm improve, in acute, gait patterns in people with PD? A total of 20 participants (16 males, age 70.9 ± 8.4 years, Hoehn and Yahr stage-II) were assessed through stereophotogrammetry: gait spatio-temporal parameters, and stride-to-stance ratio were computed before, during, and after the φ-rhythm administration. Results show improvements in terms of stride length (p = 0.018), walking speed (p = 0.014), and toe clearance (p = 0.013) when comparing gait patterns before and after the stimulus. Furthermore, the stride-to-stance ratio seems to correlate with almost all spatio-temporal parameters, but it shows the main changes in the before–during rhythm comparison. In conclusion, φ-rhythm seems an effective cue able to compensate for defective internal rhythm of the basal ganglia in PD.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Auditory cue based on the golden ratio can improve gait patterns in people with parkinson’s disease



    Publication date :

    2021-01-01



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Classification :

    DDC:    629



    Real-time auditory feedback for improving gait and walking in people with Parkinson’s disease: a pilot and feasibility trial

    Mayo, Nancy E. / Mate, Kedar K. V. / Fellows, Lesley K. et al. | Springer Verlag | 2024

    Free access


    Effect of Parkinson's Disease on Gait Symmetry

    Fuyuan, L. / Jue, W. | British Library Online Contents | 2006



    Measuring gait quality in parkinson’s disease through real-time gait phase recognition

    Mileti, Ilaria / Germanotta, Marco / Di Sipio, Enrica et al. | BASE | 2018

    Free access