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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Study protocol

A novel conceptual framework for balance training in Parkinson’s disease-study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Authors: David Conradsson, Niklas Löfgren, Agneta Ståhle, Maria Hagströmer, Erika Franzén

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

There is increasing scientific knowledge about the interaction between physiological (musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cognitive and sensory) systems and their influence on balance and walking impairments in Parkinson’s disease. We have developed a new conceptual framework for balance training, emphasising specific components of balance control related to Parkinson’s disease symptoms by using highly challenging, progressive and varying training conditions. The primary aim of this proposed randomised controlled trial will be to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of a 10-week balance training regime in elderly with Parkinson’s disease.

Methods/Design

Eighty participants with mild to moderate idiopathic Parkinson’s disease will be recruited and randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving balance training or a control group whose participants will continue to receive their usual care. The intervention will consist of a 10-week group training regime (1-hour training, three times per week), which will be led by two physiotherapists to ensure training progression and safety. The conceptual framework will be applied by addressing specific balance components (sensory integration, anticipatory postural adjustments, motor agility, stability limits) through varying training conditions and structured progression. Assessment will be conducted through a multi-dimensional battery of outcomes, prior to and immediately after the 10-week intervention, and at 9 and 15 months’ follow-up after entering the study. Primary outcome measures will be balance performance (assessed using the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test), change in gait velocity (m/s) between single and dual task walking, and fear of falling (evaluated using the Fall Efficacy Scale International).

Discussion

This study has the potential to provide new insight and knowledge of the effects of specific, varied and challenging balance training on a wide health spectrum in elderly with PD. If found to be effective, this pragmatic approach with translation of theory into practice, can be implemented in existing outpatient care.

Trial registration

NCT01417598

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2377/12/111/prepub

Title: A novel conceptual framework for balance training in Parkinson’s disease-study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: David Conradsson
Niklas Löfgren
Agneta Ståhle
Maria Hagströmer
Erika Franzén
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2377-12-111

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A novel conceptual framework for balance training in Parkinson’s disease-study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods/Design

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/Design

Discussion

Trial registration

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