Effect of Training and Use of Cane on Gait in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease

"Individuals will receive a single-point cane, individually adjusted to maintain each individual's elbow at approximately 30 degrees of flexion. Participants will be instructed to use the device on dominant side or the side with less impairment. The training with the cane will be carried out by a trained physiotherapist. The training protocol will include gait training with the cane on different surfaces and speeds. At the beginning of each training session, individuals will have the opportunity to address any questions they may have about using a cane in their daily life context.~Individuals will be re-evaluated after the end of the training sessions. After revaluation, the canes will be left with participants who will be instructed as follows: Feel free to use the cane at any time as needed. Another diary will be provided for the participant to record the use of the device after the end of the intervention"

"The intervention for the control group will consist of 20 minutes of global static stretching and 20 minutes of guidance on general health care. The stretches will be performed in three sets of 30 seconds each, targeting different muscle groups. If a participant is unable to perform the self-stretches, the researchers responsible for implementing the intervention will provide assistance. The health education component will cover information on Parkinson's disease (PD) and fall prevention.~The intervention will be offered by the same physiotherapist responsible for training the experimental group. Individuals will be re-evaluated after the end of the training sessions. After revaluation, the participants will be instructed as follows: Feel free to continue stretching exercises and use the health information discussed as needed. Another diary will be provided for the participant to record the stretching exercises performed after the end of the intervention."