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 .
Effects of Tai Chi on balance and fall prevention in Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled trial
Objectives : To examine the effects of Tai Chi on balance and functional mobility in people with Parkinson ’s disease , and determine whether fall incidence could be reduced by the Tai Chi exercise . Design : Single blinded r and omized control trial with 6 months ’ follow-up . Setting : A hospital and general community . Participants : Patients ( n=76 ) diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson ’s disease , over 40 years old , able to walk independently and fell at least one time during the past 12 months . Interventions : The Tai Chi group ( n=37 ) received 24-form Yang style Tai Chi exercise for 60 minutes each time , three times a week and lasted for 12 weeks . The control group ( n=39 ) received no intervention . Main outcome measures : Berg Balance Scale ( BBS ) , Unified Parkinson ’s Disease Rating Scale ( UPDRS ) III , Timed Up&Go ( TUG ) and occurrences of falls . Results : The Tai Chi group improved more than the control group on the BBS ( p<0.05 ) , but there was no difference on UPDRS III scores and Timed Up&Go ( p>0.05 ) . During the 6-month follow-up , only 8 ( 21.6 % ) out of 37 patients in the Tai Chi group had experience of falls comparing to 19 ( 48.7 % ) out of 39 patients in the control group ( p<0.05 ) . The average times of falls were 0.30±0.62 in the Tai Chi group compared with 0.64±0.74 in the control group ( p<0.05 ) . Conclusions : Our findings suggested that Tai Chi exercise could improve the balance and decrease the fall risks in patients with Parkinson ’s disease
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 .