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 .
Technology-Assisted Balance and Gait Training Reduces Falls in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease
Objective . To examine the effects of technology-assisted balance and gait training on reducing falls in patients with Parkinson ’s disease ( PD ) . Methods . Eligible subjects were r and omly allocated to an experimental group given  technology-assisted balance and gait training ( BAL , n = 26 ) and an active control group undertaking strengthening exercises ( CON , n = 25 ) . The training in each group lasted for 3 months . The number of fallers and fall rate were used as primary outcomes , and single-leg-stance-time , latency of postural response to perturbation , self-selected gait velocity , and stride length as secondary outcomes . Fall incidence was recorded over 15 months after the baseline assessment ( Pre ) . Other tests were performed at Pre , after 3-month intervention ( Post3 m ) , at 3 months ( Post6 m ) , and 12 months ( Post15 m ) after treatment completion . Results . Forty-five subjects who completed the 3-month training were included in the data analysis . There were fewer fallers in the BAL than in the CON group at Post3 m , Post6 m , and Post15 m ( P < .05 ) . In addition , the BAL group had lower fall rate than the CON group at Post3 m and Post6 m ( incidence rate ratio : 0.111 - 0.188 , P < .05 ) , and marginally so at Post15 m ( incidence rate ratio : 0.407 , P = .057 ) . Compared with the CON subjects , the BAL subjects demonstrated greater reduction in the postural response latency and increase in the stride length against baseline at each assessment interval ( P < .05 ) , and marginally more increases of single-leg-stance-time at Post3 m ( P = .064 ) , Post6 m ( P = .041 ) and Post15 m ( P = .087 ) . Conclusions . Our positive findings provide evidence for the clinical use of technology-assisted balance and gait training in reducing falls in people with PD
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 .