About this trial
This study will test whether combining an anterior foot wedge with neuromuscular training can improve balance, gait, and muscle activity in people with Parkinson's disease. Thirty patients (ages 45-75) with moderate Parkinson's (Hoehn \& Yahr Stage III) will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
Group 1 (Control): Receives a standard physical therapy program including stretching, strengthening, PNF, weight-shifting, and gait training.
Group 2 (Experimental): Receives the same physical therapy plus neuromuscular training using the Biodex Multi-Joint System and a custom anterior foot wedge.
All participants will train for 60 minutes, three times per week, for 8 weeks. Before and after the program, researchers will measure: balance (using the Biodex Balance System), gait (via Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and motion analysis), and muscle activity in the trunk (using electromyography). The goal is to find a more effective rehabilitation approach to reduce fall risk and improve walking in Parkinson's patients.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, confirmed by neurologist. Disease severity classified as Stage III on the Hoehn & Yahr scale. Age between 45 and 75 years. Medically stable (normal vital signs). Conscious, cooperative, and able to follow instructions. No severe cognitive or psychological impairment. Able to provide informed consent.
Disqualifiers
Severe disability or advanced Parkinsonism (Stage IV or V). Presence of other neurological or orthopedic conditions affecting gait or balance (e.g., stroke, spinal cord injury, severe arthritis).
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Anterior foot wedge
- Neuromuscular training
Treatment groups
Locations
Sponsors and collaborators
MTI University
Lead sponsor
Benha University
Sponsor institution