Effects of OMT on Gait Kinematics and Postural Control in Parkinson Disease

Completed · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Parkinson Disease

In brief

Parkinson Disease is a degenerative process that affects millions each year, and has devastating effects on patients and their families. The mobility symptoms that manifest as the disease progresses can result in social isolation as patients may be embarrassed or fear falling in public. One of the common risks resulting from the PD is falls. Falling in PD is primarily related to musculoskeletal issues such as muscular rigidity, postural instability \& stooped posture. These kinds of manifestations should be amenable to treatment with OMT. There are studies showing the positive impact that OMT has on gait in PD, and a study showing improvement in balance in non-PD subjects. This investigation is designed to address these components via the following specific aims: 1. Identify the effects of a Neck-down OMT (OMT-ND) protocol on gait kinematics and postural control in Parkinson disease The investigators hypothesize that the application of an OMT protocol will improve gait kinematics and increase subjects' ability to respond to a postural challenge. The theoretical mechanism for this is due to the improved joint flexibility, improved proprioception and decreased muscle co-activation. 2. Determine the efficacy of Whole-body OMT (OMT-WB) protocol including cranial manipulation on gait kinematics and postural control in Parkinson disease The investigators hypothesize that the addition of a cranial manipulation protocol will further improve gait kinematics and increase subjects' ability to respond to a postural challenge. The theoretical mechanism for this is due to the improved arterial blood flow to the brain, which results from improving the cranial bone motion, maximizing venous drainage, and reducing any restrictions around the vestibular system.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT04946760

Run by

University of North Texas Health Science Center

People needed

113

Starts

2016-09-01

Expected to finish

2019-09-16

Last updated by the study team

2021-07-01

Who can join

Age: 50 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• For PD participants: Neurologist-diagnosed idiopathic PD, H\&Y stages 1.0-3.0
• Ability to stand independently for 1 minute and ambulate 100 yards independently
• Healthy (not under ongoing medical care for health problems that could impact performance on study tasks)
• for controls: age-matched healthy adults

You may not qualify if…

• Idiopathic PD in Hoehn \& Yahr stages >3.0
• Previous surgical management of PD (pallidotomy, deep brain stimulation
• Central or peripheral nervous system disorders other than PD including, but not limited to multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer's diseases, or chronic fatigue syndrome
• Cognitive impairment as defined by the Mini-Mental Status Examination (<26 for subjects with PD and <24 for control subjects)
• Unable to stand independently for 1 minute and to walk independently for 100 yards
• Body weight >400lbs

Where it is running

• University of North Texas Health Science Center — Fort Worth, Texas, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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