Effects of levodopa on forward and backward gait patterns in persons with Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION Backward walking is difficult for persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). It is unknown how levodopa influences backward gait patterns, especially when compared to forward gait patterns. PURPOSE Investigate the effects of levodopa on forward and backward gait patterns in individuals with PD. DESIGN A repeated measures design was used. METHODS The sample consisted of 21 individuals with PD (15 males, 6 females). Their mean age was 70.24 ± 8.69 yr. The average time since diagnosis was 11.81 ± 5.49 years. The median of the Hoehn and Yahr stage while 'ON' medication was 2.57. Gait patterns during forward and backward walking at a self-selected comfortable speed were recorded before and after taking levodopa on the same day. RESULTS Levodopa significantly increased gait speed and stride length and decreased the percent of the gait cycle (%GC) spent in double support. Gait speed and stride length were greater and the %GC spent in double support was less during forward walking compared with backward walking. Cadence was not changed by levodopa or walking direction. CONCLUSIONS Levodopa improved gait characteristics during backward walking in a manner similar to that during forward walking in persons with PD.