Effectiveness of Fall-Preventive Home Exercise Programs in Patients With Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Falls are common among patients with Parkinson disease and can lead to reduced mobility, fear of falling, loss of independence, and injury. Researchers are comparing two home-based exercise programs to see which one better reduces fall risk and improves functional outcomes in this population. This randomized controlled trial focuses on patients with Parkinson disease at Hoehn and Yahr stage 3 or 4 who have had the diagnosis for at least 5 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two exercise groups. One group will follow the Otago Home Exercise Program, which includes strengthening, static balance, and dynamic balance exercises to improve lower body strength and balance. The other group will participate in a structured home exercise program focusing on spinal stabilization and strengthening of specific muscle groups. Both programs last 6 weeks, with exercises performed three times a week for about 40 minutes per session. At week 3, exercises will be reviewed and adjusted based on each participant's functional status. Participants will be assessed at the start, at week 3, and at week 6. Evaluations include measures related to fall risk, freezing of gait, functional mobility, gait speed, postural control, and physical performance tests like the Timed Up and Go and Sit-to-Stand tests. Researchers will monitor progress and outcomes using questionnaires and physical tests to understand which program more effectively supports fall prevention and mobility in Parkinson disease patients.

Home-Based Exercise Programs for Fall Prevention in Parkinson Disease