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Cueing training in the home improves gait-related mobility in Parkinson's disease: the RESCUE trial

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Lynn RochesterORCiD, Victoria Hetherington

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Abstract

Objectives: Gait and mobility problems are difficult to treat in people with Parkinson's disease. The Rehabilitation in Parkinson's Disease: Strategies for Cueing ( RESCUE) trial investigated the effects of a home physiotherapy programme based on rhythmical cueing on gait and gait-related activity. Methods: A single-blind randomised crossover trial was set up, including 153 patients with Parkinson's disease aged between 41 and 80 years and in Hoehn and Yahr stage II-IV. Subjects allocated to early intervention (n=76) received a 3-week home cueing programme using a prototype cueing device, followed by 3 weeks without training. Patients allocated to late intervention (n=77) underwent the same intervention and control period in reverse order. After the initial 6 weeks, both groups had a 6-week follow-up without training. Posture and gait scores (PG scores) measured at 3, 6 and 12 weeks by blinded testers were the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included specific measures on gait, freezing and balance, functional activities, quality of life and carer strain. Results: Small but significant improvements were found after intervention of 4.2% on the PG scores (p=0.005). Severity of freezing was reduced by 5.5% in freezers only (p=0.007). Gait speed ( p=0.005), step length (p < 0.001) and timed balance tests (p=0.003) improved in the full cohort. Other than a greater confidence to carry out functional activities (Falls Efficacy Scale, p=0.04), no carry-over effects were observed in functional and quality of life domains. Effects of intervention had reduced considerably at 6-week follow-up. Conclusions: Cueing training in the home has specific effects on gait, freezing and balance. The decline in effectiveness of intervention effects underscores the need for permanent cueing devices and follow-up treatment. Cueing training may be a useful therapeutic adjunct to the overall management of gait disturbance in Parkinson's disease.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Nieuwboer A, Kwakkel G, Rochester L, Jones D, van Wegen E, Willems AM, Chavret F, Hetherington V, Baker K, Lim I

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry

Year: 2007

Volume: 78

Issue: 2

Pages: 134-140

Date deposited: 21/06/2010

ISSN (print): 0022-3050

ISSN (electronic): 1468-330X

Publisher: BMJ Group

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.200X.097923

DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.200X.097923

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