Investigating the Longitudinal Efficacy of Cognitive Cueing and Video Intervention for Gait in People with Parkinson’s Disease

Walking difficulties are a common and often frustrating symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Unlike many other motor symptoms, these walking challenges don’t usually improve with standard medications. One well-supported method to help improve walking is through the use of external cues, such as rhythmic sounds or visual aids, which act as goalposts to help regulate movement (for example, walking in time with a beat or stepping over a line). While effective, these cueing strategies often rely on technology, like headphones or special equipment, which can limit how practical, safe, or appealing they are in everyday life.

An alternative approach, called cognitive cueing involves using simple, self-directed verbal instructions (like “take big steps”) to guide movement. This method avoids the need for external devices. Preliminary research with a small group of participants showed that combining cognitive cueing with at-home gait-training videos helped improve walking speed and step length. Building on these early results, this project will involve a multi-week walking program that includes personalized gait-training videos made from each participant’s own walking footage. We will examine how this combination of video practice and cognitive cueing impacts walking, as well as other important areas like mobility, quality of life, and confidence with balance.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jeffrey Holmes;Jessica Grahn

Student:

Partner:

Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: