Assistive devices for gait in Parkinson's disease

Abstract

While medications have improved the function of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), over time most patients experience progressive problems with gait and balance. There have been important recent advances in the development of mechanical assistive devices that have the potential of improving mobility, but there are possible risks and the optimal role for such devices in PD has not been carefully studied. We review the available literature and provide practical information about available mobility assistive devices for patients with PD.