Simple tests could help predict falls in people with Parkinson's

11 August 2010

According to new research published in the journal Neurology, combining three simple tests may help identify people with Parkinson's who are more likely to fall.

Falls are a major problem for people with Parkinson's. In our 2007 Members Survey, 37% of people reported falling since being diagnosed with Parkinson's. And injuries resulting from falls are one of the main reasons people with Parkinson’s are admitted to hospital.

What the research team did

In the study, 101 people with Parkinson's who were able to walk without any aids took a variety of tests measuring their Parkinson's symptoms, balance and mobility.

During the six month study, 48 participants had at least one fall, and 24 of those had more than one fall.

The research team found that when they combined the results of a test that assesses a person's overall Parkinson's symptoms, a questionnaire on how often people 'freeze' while walking, and a test of balance they were able to correctly predict 37 of the 48 fallers.

Finding ways to prevent falls

Dr Kieran Breen, our Director of Research and Development comments:

"We know that fear of falling can prevent many people with Parkinson’s from leading active lives. This research shows that using quick and easy tests can accurately predict those most at risk. The next challenge will be finding ways to prevent these falls from happening.

"We are currently funding projects, like Dr Emma Stack's, that aim to develop techniques and environments that help people with Parkinson's stay safe and avoid falls."

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