Two Cases of Korean Medicine Treatment for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Evaluated Using a Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis System

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatments in two patients with Parkinson’s disease complaining of discomfort stemming from postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD).Methods: Two patients were treated for 3 months. They visited the clinic once a week for the first month and thereafter once every 2 weeks. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and a three-dimensional gait analysis were performed at the first visit and at 1, 2, and 3 months thereafter.Results: In Case 1, gait speed, stride length, and swing phase increased. Double support decreased until 2 months after treatment but increased slightly after 3 months. Among the kinematic parameters, tilt and rotation increased. The total UPDRS Part III score decreased from 51 points to 29 points after 3 months of treatment. In Case 2, gait speed, stride length, and swing phase increased, but double support decreased. Among the kinematic parameters, tilt, rotation, and obliquity decreased. The total UPDRS Part III score decreased from 11 points to 7 points after 3 months of treatment.Conclusions: This study suggests that Korean medicine can be an effective treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease who experience discomfort due to PIGD.