Proprioceptive Focal Stimulation (Equistasi) May Improve Motor Symptoms in Moderate Parkinson's Disease Patients Italian Multicentric Preliminary Open Study

摘要

Object of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of propriocettive Focal Stimulation on Gait in moderate Parkinson (PD) patients by a preliminary open multicentric study, using Equistasi, nanotechnological device of the dimension of a plaster which generates High Frequency segmental vibration. The efficacy of Gait Analysis (GA) on evaluating gait modification on Parkinson's Disease (PD) Patients is already well known. On the other hand, several studies have shown that Proprioceptive Focal Stimulation seems to be useful in symptoms amelioration in several neurological disease. Therefore, GA was recorded in a group of PD patients. Twenty-one PD patients (age 69,51 years, Duration disease 8.52 years, Duration Therapy 7,19 years; H&Y 2.46) at their best on therapy, were enrolled in the study. Two GA were performed always at the morning, before and after the treatment. Three plaques devices were put on the skin: one at C7, one at the right and the left leg, on soleus muscle. Equistasi is a nanotechnological device of the dimension of a plaster which generates High Frequency segmental vibration. Clinical state was monitored by MDUPDRS part III. Parametric (One-way ANOVA and paired t-Student) and not - parametric statistic (Freidman ANOVA and Wilcoxon test) were used. The analysis of the Spatial -Temporal variables showed a significant improvement of Mean Velocity (MV) p=.002, Stride Lenght (SL) in right and left respectively p=.0013 and p=.017, Stance (STA) in right and left respectively p=.025 and p=.047 and Double Support Stance (DSS) in left and right stride respectively p=.034 and p=.033. MDUPDRS Part III was statistically reduced with p=0.017; furthermore the items 3.10, and 3.12 were statistically reduced respectively with p=.025 and p=.046. The results, in this group of patients, encourage to investigate the mechanical focal vibration as stimulation of proprioceptive system in PD. The effect of the device on patients may open a new possibility to the management of PD. The data indicates as the device ameliorates postural stability and gait performance and confirms the support that GA gives to underlight the modifications of gait in PD patients.