Comparison of Action Observation Training and Visual Cueing Training on Walking Ability and Balance in Parkinson’s Disease Patients

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Purpose: This study examined the effects of action observation training (AOT) and visual cueing training (VC) on the gait performance, balance, functional mobility, and quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from June to August 2024 at C Hospital in Cheongju, involving 15 Parkinson's disease patients. The participants were selected based on Hoehn- Yahr stages 1–3 and a score of 24 or higher on the MMSE-K; those with a history of neurological or orthopedic disorders were excluded. The participants were assigned randomly to the AOT or VC group and underwent training five times weekly for four weeks, each session lasting 20 minutes.
The VC group performed gait training using the visual cues placed on the floor, while the AOT group watched videos related to gait and then performed the same movements. The gait and balance abilities were assessed using the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), timed up and go (TUG), five-times sit-to-stand test (5STS), Berg balance scale (BBS), the Parkinson's disease quality of life questionnaire (PDQL), and G-WALK. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 24.0.
Results: AOT induced greater improvement in TUG and 10MWT, indicating a positive effect on motor learning and neuroplasticity. By contrast, VC was more effective in enhancing the stride length and balance than AOT by strengthening the gait rhythm and stability.
Conclusion: AOT helped promote motor learning and social engagement, while VC improved balance and gait rhythm.