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Abstract

Gait and balance deficits are arguably the most debilitating symptoms associated with Parkinson�s Disease (PD), as well as the leading cause of loss of independence and quality of life in PD. One example is the so-called freezing phenomena, in which patients report feeling like their feet are glued to the ground leaving them unable to make their next step. This motor symptom is argued by many to dopa-resistant and often leads to an increased risk of trips and falls. Thus, it is considered one of the most severe gait disorder associated with advanced PD. This presentation will utilize a series of experiments to systematically disentangle the sensory, perceptual, cognitive and emotional processes involved in the planning and control of human walking, in order to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the typical motor symptoms seen in PD. Subsequently, these basic science discoveries will be translated into therapeutic interventions that target these mechanisms, with the goal of identifying the most novel and effective rehabilitation strategies recommended for PD.

Biography

Quincy J Almeida is the Director of the Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre (MDRC) of Wilfrid Laurier University with more than 100 published articles. He is an Expert in motor control, balance and gait assessment and exercise rehabilitation for parkinson’s disease. He has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal; the Franklin Henry Young Scientist award for Motor Control in Canada and the Early Career Distinguished Scholar award from the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity.
Email:qalmeida@wlu.ca