Citation

Paul SS, Allen NE, Sherrington C, Heller G, Fung VS, Close JC, Lord SR, Canning CG. J. Parkinsons Dis. 2014; 4(4): 699-703.

Affiliation

Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe NSW, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, IOS Press)

DOI

10.3233/JPD-140438

PMID

25271238

Abstract

Fall frequency varies among individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed to determine whether risk factors that distinguish PD fallers from non-fallers are influenced by frequent falls. 205 people with PD participated in a 6-month prospective study. Factors in previously published fall risk models were analyzed for their associations with fall rates and frequent fallers. Fall history, freezing and impaired reactive balance were associated with fall rates and the proportion of frequent fallers (p < 0.05). These models were highly accurate in discriminating frequent fallers (area under curve 0.84-0.87). Interventions to manage freezing and reduce balance impairment may reduce fall frequency.

Language: en