Falls and Mobility in Parkinson's Disease: Study Protocol
Author Information
Author(s): Morris Meg E, Menz Hylton B, McGinley Jennifer L, Huxham Frances E, Murphy Anna T, Iansek Robert, Danoudis Mary, Soh Sze-Ee, Kelly David, Watts Jennifer J
Primary Institution: Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne
Hypothesis
Participation in physical therapy directed to either movement strategy training or progressive resistance strength training combined with falls education will reduce falls relative to participation in the control group.
Conclusion
This study aims to determine if specific outpatient physical therapy programs can effectively reduce falls and improve mobility and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Falls are common in people with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and can lead to serious injuries.
- Previous research indicates that more than half of people with Parkinson's disease experience falls within a year.
- The study will measure falls, mobility, activity limitations, and quality of life as outcomes.
Takeaway
The study is trying to find out if special exercises can help people with Parkinson's disease not fall down and feel better overall.
Methodology
A single blind, parallel-group randomised controlled trial design with three groups: two intervention groups receiving different types of therapy and one control group.
Limitations
Results cannot be generalized to those rated V on the modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale, and the effects of medication cannot be separated from therapy effects.
Participant Demographics
Community dwelling people with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website