Framework for understanding balance dysfunction in Parkinson's disease
Bernadette Schoneburg, Martina Mancini, Fay Horak, John G Nutt, Bernadette Schoneburg, Martina Mancini, Fay Horak, John G Nutt
Abstract
People with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer from progressive impairment in their mobility. Locomotor and balance dysfunction that impairs mobility in PD is an important cause of physical and psychosocial disability. The recognition and evaluation of balance dysfunction by the clinician are an essential component of managing PD. In this review, we describe a framework for understanding balance dysfunction in PD to help clinicians recognize patients who are at risk for falling and impaired mobility.
Keywords: Parkinson's disease; balance; gait; posture.
Conflict of interest statement
Relevant conflicts of interest/financial disclosures:
Fay Horak and OHSU have significant financial interests in APDM, a company that might have a commercial interest in the results of this research and technology. This potential conflict of interest has been reviewed and managed by OHSU and the Integrity Oversight Council.
John Nutt serves as a consultant for Neuroderm Ltd, Merck, Elan Pharmaceuticals, Lundbeck Inc, ONO Pharma, SynAgile Crop, Prexa Inc and US World Med. He has received honoraria from the American Academy of Neurology.
© 2013 Movement Disorder Society.
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Source: PubMed