Comparing postural balance among older adults and Parkinson's disease patients

Abstract

-The objective of this study was to compare postural balance among healthy older adults and Parkinson's disease (PD) patients during one-legged stance balance. We recruited 36 individuals of both sexes and divided them into two groups: healthy older adults (HG), and individuals with PD (PG). All the participants were assessed through a single-leg balance test, with eyes open, during 30 seconds (30 seconds of rest across trials) on a force platform. Balance parameters were computed from mean across trials to quantify postural control: center of pressure (COP) area and mean velocity in both directions of movement, anterior-posterior and medial-lateral. Significant differences between-group were reported for area of COP (P = 0.002) and mean velocity in anterior-posterior direction (P = 0.037), where poor postural control was related to PD patients rather than to healthy individuals. One-legged stance balance was a sensitive task used to discriminate poor postural control in Parkinson individuals.

The Impact of Parkinson’s Disease on Postural Control in Older People and How Sex can Mediate These Results: A Systematic Review

“…Therefore, due to deficiencies in the dopaminergic system, this disease is characterized by motor symptoms such as stiffness, bradykinesia, tremors, coordination deficits and poor balance [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. The progression of Parkinson’s disease can be considered according to the severity of symptoms [ 12 , 23 ], such as more important balance, speech, autonomic, cognitive and psychological disorders in more advanced stages [ 24 ]. Pharmacologic, surgical, psychological treatments and rehabilitation exist to alleviate the symptoms and limitations caused by the disease, associated or not with the effect of aging, but none aim to recovery [ 25 ].…”

Role of yoga in Parkinson’s disease-A comprehensive update of the literature

“…Increased risk of fall in older adults is related to declining balance and power in the muscles. Brief postural instructions can affect balance control in older adults with PD [1][2][3][4]. Recent study has reported about the role of yoga, alexander technique and tai chi in strengthening embodied mindfulness as either effortful or effortless in maintaining balance in older adults [5].…”