Predictors of balance in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A cross-sectional study

Some previous studies investigated predictors of balance in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD). However, outcomes commonly evaluated in the rehabilitation of individuals with PD that could predict balance deficits have not yet been investigated.

To determine whether the variables muscle strength, physical activity and depression are predictors of balance in individuals with PD.

This is a cross-sectional study in which the investigated variables included: trunk and knee extensors' muscle strength (modified sphygmomanometer test - MST), physical activity level (Adjusted Human Activity Profile score) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 - PHQ-9). The outcome variable was balance, as assessed by the Mini-BESTest. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine which predictor variables explain the outcome variable.

A total of 50 individuals with PD, mean age 67 ± 8.8 years, 68% male, 40% HY 2.5 were included. The mean value of the dominant limb extensor muscle strength was 139 ± 45 mmHg, and the mean trunk extensor muscle strength value was 81.9 ± 19 mmHg. More than half of the sample (52%, n = 26) was classified as moderately active. Most of the sample (78%) had mild depression. The average Mini-BESTest score was 21 ± 5.4. The physical activity level explained 29% of the balance variance. When depression was included in the model, the explained variance increased to 35%. The other independent variables were not included in the model.

The findings of the present study showed that the physical activity level and depression were able to explain 35% of the balance variation.