Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
12:18
An Instrumented Pull Test to Characterize Postural Responses
Published on: April 6, 2019
Improved Dynamic Postural Task Performance without Improvements in Postural Responses: The Blessing and the Curse of
K B Foreman1, C Wisted, O Addison
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health, University of Utah, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
Parkinson'S Disease
|December 23, 2011
Summary
Dopamine medications improve gait in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients but not postural responses, potentially increasing fall risk. Rehabilitation strategies are needed to address this medication-induced risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Movement Disorders
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Dopamine-replacement medications are standard treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD).
- These medications can improve motor symptoms but may not fully restore postural control.
- This discrepancy raises concerns about potential increases in fall risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dopamine medication on reactive postural responses and gait in PD patients.
- To compare patient performance ON and OFF medication conditions.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 15 individuals with PD.
- Measured reactive postural responses using the Pull Test.
- Evaluated gait-related mobility using the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA).
- Data collected during both ON and OFF medication states.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in reactive postural responses was observed between ON and OFF medication states.
- Patients demonstrated significantly improved Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) performance when ON medication compared to OFF.
- Gait-specific mobility improved with medication, but underlying postural instability remained.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine-replacement therapy may enhance gait mobility without improving reactive postural responses in PD.
- This dissociation could lead to an iatrogenic increase in fall risk.
- Healthcare providers should consider medication limitations and integrate interventions to bolster postural responses in PD patients.
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