[A new method of quantitative analysis of parkinsonian gait: report of 6 patients].

A simple quantitative method of gait analysis in parkinsonism is presented. In this method, spatial and temporal parameters (stride length and duration, stance duration and double support duration) and cinematic parameters (velocity) were evaluated. A pilot trial performed in 6 patients highlighted the pathological aspect of the parkinsonian gait as compared to the gait of healthy elderly subjects. A significant degradation (reduced speed, diminished stride length, short duration of the double support stage) was noted, even when parkinsonians were compared with the oldest of the control subjects.