Background: Parkinson’s Disease is a neurogenerative disease of the basal ganglia resulting in decreased dopamine production. The imbalance of dopamine in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease presents with symptoms including bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor, and postural instability. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of an AutoAmbulator, bodyweight supported treadmill, in conjunction with traditional therapy and detail a patient with Parkinson’s Disease response to therapy. Case Description: An 86-year-old male with Parkinson’s disease was admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility after being hospitalized with generalized weakness and altered mental status. Prior to being hospitalized, he ambulated with a rolling walker household distances independently; however, at evaluation he required a two person assist to ambulate 10 ft in the parallel bars. Intervention: Three bouts of bodyweight supported treadmill training occurred in conjunction with overground training, postural education, lower extremity strengthening, transfer training, and dynamic standing balance over twelve sessions of inpatient rehabilitation. Outcomes: Outcome measures utilized consisted of FIM scores, Timed Up and Go test, 10 Meter Walk Test, and total distance ambulated. Discussion: Positive outcomes were observed in this patient with Parkinson’s Disease with the incorporation of bodyweight supported treadmill training with traditional physical therapy treatment
