Balance Training In Parkinson’s Disease:

Authors: Dr. Sapna Shokeen

Abstract: Background: Postural instability in Parkinson’s disease (PD) leads to high fall risk. While balance training is beneficial, the comparative effectiveness of fixed vs variable programmes remains unclear.Objective: To compare the efficacy of fixed and variable balance-training programmes on balance control, gait performance, balance confidence, and fall frequency in individuals with mild-to-moderate PD. Secondary aims were adherence, motivation, and feasibility.Methods: Forty PD participants (Hoehn & Yahr stages I–III) were randomized 1:1 to 12 weeks (3×/week) of either a fixed or variable balance-training protocol. Outcomes: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Mini-BESTest, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and fall logs, assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 3-month follow-up.Results: Both groups improved significantly (p < 0.05), but the variable group showed greater gains in BBS (+6.2 vs +3.8), Mini-BESTest (+5.4 vs +2.9), and TUG speed (–1.5 s vs –0.8 s) post-intervention. Fall incidence reduced by 50% in the variable group vs 30% in the fixed group. Adherence exceeded 85% in both; motivation scores were higher in the variable group (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Variable balance training yielded superior improvements in postural control, gait performance, fall reduction, and motivation, offering a feasible model for clinical physiotherapy practice in PD.

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