Augmented Feedback Using Visual Cues for Movement Smoothness during Gait Performance of Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of visual cues on movement smoothness during gait performance by individuals with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen patients with symptoms of idiopathic PD were recruited into the study. The mean age of the subjects was 65.1 years, and the mean post-disease period was 71.3 months. The gait performance was analyzed in this study under 2 different conditions, free walking and visual cue walking. To determine the effect of visual cues on the gait performance of PD patients, we collected spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. [Results] Spatiotemporal parameters significantly improved during gait performance with visual cues compared to free walking. The presence of visual cues also resulted in significantly improved peak-to-peak angular displacement of the ankle, hip, and pelvis as well as movement smoothness in the lower extremities. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that augmented feedback using visual cues improves the deficit in kinematic parameters, and improves movement smoothness in the lower extremities of individuals with PD.