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A novel conceptual framework for balance training in Parkinson's disease-study protocol for a randomised controlled
David Conradsson1, Niklas Löfgren, Agneta Ståhle
1Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden. David.Conradsson.1@ki.se
BMC Neurology
|September 29, 2012
Summary
This study investigates a new balance training program for elderly individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). The 10-week program aims to improve balance, walking, and reduce fear of falling, with long-term follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) significantly impacts balance and walking due to complex physiological system interactions.
- Existing knowledge highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cognitive, and sensory systems.
- A novel conceptual framework for balance training has been developed, focusing on PD-specific balance control components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy of a 10-week balance training regime in elderly individuals with Parkinson's disease.
- To assess the impact of a challenging, progressive, and varied balance training program on balance and gait parameters.
- To investigate the effect of the intervention on fear of falling in the target population.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 80 participants with mild to moderate idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
- Participants were allocated to either a 10-week balance training intervention group or a usual care control group.
- The intervention focused on sensory integration, anticipatory postural adjustments, motor agility, and stability limits, with assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and at 9 and 15 months.
Main Results:
- Primary outcomes include balance performance (Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test), gait velocity changes (single vs. dual task), and fear of falling (Fall Efficacy Scale International).
- Data collection occurred immediately post-intervention and at 9 and 15 months follow-up.
- The study design allows for robust analysis of both immediate and sustained effects of the balance training.
Conclusions:
- The study is expected to provide novel insights into the effects of specialized, challenging balance training on the health spectrum of elderly PD patients.
- A positive outcome could support the implementation of this pragmatic, theory-driven approach into existing outpatient care settings.
- This research has the potential to significantly advance the management of balance and mobility impairments in Parkinson's disease.
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