BACKGROUND: Evaluate the effects of additional load (5% and 10% of body weight) with treadmill gait training on the motor aspects in Parkinson's disease (PD).
METHODS: Randomized controlled single-blind trial with 30 individuals with PD. The volunteers were divided into three groups (treadmill with 0%, 5% or 10% load), where Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale was applied. Treadmill gait training was conducted over 4 consecutive weeks, with three weekly sessions of 30 min each.
RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in all groups in the time factor for motor function (F = 12.92; P = 0.001) and postural instability (F = 11.23; P = 0.002). No significant difference was observed in group × time interaction (F < 1.76; P > 0.19).
CONCLUSION: The treadmill comprises an effective therapy for people with PD, for important motor aspects such as motor function and postural instability. Additional load had no influence on results.