Conclusion ] Different methods , such as scales , tests , and equipment , are used for the evaluation of balance in patients with Parkinson 's disease .
[ Purpose ] The present literature review was conducted on the use of different measures for the evaluation of balance in patients with Parkinson 's disease .
Does robotic gait training improve balance in Parkinson's disease? A randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND Treadmill training ( with or without robotic assistance ) has been reported to improve balance skills in patients with Parkinson 's disease ( PD ) . However , its effectiveness on postural instability has been evaluated mainly in patients with mild to moderate PD ( Hoehn & Yahr stage ≤3 ) . Patients with more severe disease may benefit from robot-assisted gait training performed by the Gait-Trainer GT1 , as a harness supports them with their feet placed on motor-driven footplates . The aim of this study was to determine whether robot-assisted gait training could have a positive influence on postural stability in patients with PD at Hoehn & Yahr stage 3 - 4 . METHODS Thirty-four patients with PD at Hoehn & Yahr stage 3 - 4 were r and omly assigned into two groups . All patients received twelve , 40-min treatment sessions , three days/week , for four consecutive weeks . The Robotic Training group ( n = 17 ) underwent robot-assisted gait training , while the Physical Therapy group ( n = 17 ) underwent a training program not specifically aim ed at improving postural stability . Patients were evaluated before , immediately after and 1-month post-treatment . Primary outcomes were : Berg Balance scale ; Nutt 's rating . RESULTS A significant improvement was found after treatment on the Berg Balance Scale and the Nutt 's rating in favor of the Robotic Training group ( Berg : 43.44 ± 2.73 ; Nutt : 1.38 ± 0.50 ) compared to the Physical Therapy group ( Berg : 37.27 ± 5.68 ; Nutt : 2.07 ± 0.59 ) . All improvements were maintained at the 1-month follow-up evaluation . CONCLUSIONS Robot-assisted gait training may improve postural instability in patients with PD at Hoehn & Yahr stage 3 - 4
Conclusion ] Different methods , such as scales , tests , and equipment , are used for the evaluation of balance in patients with Parkinson 's disease .
[ Purpose ] The present literature review was conducted on the use of different measures for the evaluation of balance in patients with Parkinson 's disease .