Which Tools Better Predict Fall Risk in Parkinson's Disease: A Comparative Study of Objective, Self-Reported, and Functional Balance Assessment

Summary

Introduction: Falls are common in Parkinson's disease (PD), affecting 30-90% of patients annually, with more than half experiencing recurrent falls. Identifying balance assessment tools that are both practical and predictive of fall risk is therefore essential. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fall frequency and three balance assessment tools: the Biodex Balance System (objective), the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) (self-reported), and the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) (functional). Methods: Patients with PD at Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3 will be included in the study. Fall data will be collected using a fall diary, while objective balance will be assessed with the Biodex Balance System, functional performance will be evaluated with the Mini-BESTest, and self-reported balance confidence will be measured with the FES-I.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 40 and 80 years old
* Receiving stable dopaminergic treatment
* No other neurological disorders besides PD
* A Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score \>24
* Hoehn and Yahr stage between 1-3
* Voluntarily agreed to participate in the study after receiving detailed information

Exclusion Criteria:

Presence of visual, hearing impairments, cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases that could affect study outcomes

* Having mental or physical impairments severe enough to hinder communication
* Clinically unstable condition within the past month
* Participation in a rehabilitation program within the last six months

Conditions5

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