Perceptions of Compensation Strategies for Gait Impairments in Parkinson’s Disease: A Survey Among 320 Healthcare Professionals
Anouk Tosserams, Maarten J. Nijkrake, Ingrid H.W.M. Sturkenboom, Bastiaan R. Bloem, Jorik Nonnekes
Abstract
Compensation strategies are an essential part of managing gait impairments in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). We conducted an online survey among 320 healthcare professionals with specific expertise in PD management, to evaluate their knowledge of compensation strategies for gait impairments in people with PD, and whether they applied these in daily practice. Only 35% of professionals was aware of all categories of compensation strategies. Importantly, just 23% actually applied all seven available categories of strategies when treating people with PD in clinical practice. We discuss the clinical implications, and provide recommendations to overcome this knowledge gap.