Abstract Details

Title Novel Assistive Dress Shoe & Footwear Needs Analysis for Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Topic Movement Disorders

Presentation(s) P5 - Poster Session 5 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 10-042

Objective The objective of this study was to survey patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in order to assess their difficulties with wearing shoes and use this information to guide the design of a novel, easy-to-wear dress shoe for patients with PD.

Background

Parkinson’s currently afflicts over 10 million people over the age of 50. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD worsen with time and significantly decrease the quality of patients’ lives. While pharmacologic and surgical interventions may alleviate some symptoms, many patients can benefit from assistive devices (AD) which facilitate their activities of daily living (ADLs).

Design/Methods A 13-question survey to assess difficulties in wearing shoes was completed by 89 patients with PD at UC Irvine. Statistical analysis was performed, and means were reported. A novel dress shoes was designed for patients with PD using the information obtained.

Results 89 patients with an average age of 68 years and who had been living with a PD diagnosis for an average of 8.88 years were surveyed. A total of 28% of patients reported moderate difficulty wearing shoes. 37% of patients indicated that difficulties wearing dress shoes forced them to make changes to their preferred outfit and 11% indicated that they did not attend an event due to difficulties in wearing dress shoes. Amongst the factors needing significant improvement in dress shoes were the laces and size of shoe opening. Respondents indicated that they would prefer a dress shoe with a no lace/slip-on design. Using this information, we designed a novel dress shoe for patients with PD that allows for ease of access while maintaining the elegance of a dress shoe.

Conclusions The current study is the first to quantify difficulties amongst PD patients in wearing shoes and use this feedback to design a dress shoe for them.

Authors/Disclosures
Jamasb Sayadi PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Neal S. Hermanowicz, MD, FAAN (Hoag Neuroscience Institute)	No disclosure on file

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