Table 4.

Key aspects mentioned by the four groups about the use of walking aids.

The use of walking aids
Early-stage patients	Late-stage patients
• The ability to complete a task successfully is the aspect more valuable. The time is no longer a priority when you know you have PD. • The use of walking aids depends on the needs of each patient. PD don't need this type of solutions. A good management of the disease, prevention and education by a specialist are more appropriated. • Patients were open to the use technological devices or Nordic sticks. • Due to the lack of experience, patients only mentioned suggestion for Nordic sticks. They mentioned the existence of shock absorbers to smooth the gait, tips adapted to different types of surfaces, light and with handles that allow to open the hands.	• Patients try to delay the use of walking aids through medication adjustments. • The patients used walking aids, by their own initiative, to get down, get up or when the gait was unstable. They did not have any period training. Falls occurred. • Due to the existence of “ON” periods in which they have acceptable functionality, they do not consider the use of permanent walking aids. • Patients express some reluctance to use walking aids due to the associated social stigma. • A bad experience with walking aids, without training or adaptation period, creates an insecurity that conditions future uses.
Physiotherapists	Neurologists
• The presence of imbalances and an increased risk of falling are the first warning signs for the need of walking aids. • They are usually faced in a negative way, as a sign of disease progression and a greater level dependence. • The fear of falling helps accepting the recommendation of a walking aid. • The choice of a walking aids should be personalized.	• According to the patient's clinical characteristics. • This recommendation sometimes does not coincide with the physiotherapist' opinion, who usually finds it too early. • The stigma associated with walking aids influences the patient's receptivity and the neurologist's decision to suggest its use. • Patients face the recommendation as a defeat and with frustration.