Evaluating the Link Between Dopaminergic Treatment, Gait Impairment, and Anxiety in Parkinson's Disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anxiety is the most under-recognized nonmotor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD), yet it is unclear whether motor impairment exacerbates anxiety observed in PD, or vice versa. The current study examined: (1) whether movement (i.e., walking vs. standing) elevates distress in PD; (2) how dopaminergic treatment influences anxiety specifically while walking; and (3) whether these responses are worse in PD patients with gait impairments (compared to those without).

Methods

Twenty healthy control participants (HC), 17 PD participants without gait impairments (PD-GI), and 14 PD participants with gait impairments (PD+GI) performed two tasks (stand vs. walk) in two virtual environments: (1) LOW threat; (2) HIGH threat. This protocol was completed in on and off</

SUBMITTER: Ehgoetz Martens KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6178607 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature