Document Type : Original research papers
Authors
1
Department of Motor Behavior, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
2
Department of Sport Biomechanics, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
3
Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Humanities, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
4
Biomechanics Research Center, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
10.22098/jast.2025.15108.1351
Abstract
Introduction: Balance impairment is a common and debilitating feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD), which can lead to falls and reduced mobility. Understanding the balance variables and postural control strategies in PD is important for developing effective interventions to improve balance and prevent falls in this population. However, further research is needed on the strategies used by these patients to control balance and which balance variables are more sensitive to PD. The objective of this study was to compare balance variables and postural control strategies in individuals with PD and a control group.
Materials and Methods: Using the G*Power software, the sample size was determined, and participants were selected purposefully and conveniently, resulting in fifteen patients with PD and seventeen neurologically healthy individuals participating in this study. Postural control was assessed using the Kistler force platform. Participants completed four standing trials on different surfaces with eyes open or closed. CoP data were recorded for 20 seconds at 1000 Hz. Variables in AP and ML directions were evaluated: spatial (CoP displacement, sway, RMS), quantitative (acceleration, velocity), and complexity (sample entropy).
Results: The results showed that manipulation of the base of support (BoS) influenced spatial variables and CoP complexity in both groups (p<0.05). Quantitative variables in the sit-to-stand (STS) test were higher in the control group than in the PD group (p<0.05). Complexity was higher in the PD group than in the control group in all conditions (p<0.05).
Conclusions: According to the findings, the increased irregularity and greater sway observed in various tests within the PD group indicate the use of conscious strategies in controlling posture among these individuals. Consequently, they exhibit less adaptability to environmental changes and are likely to have a higher risk of falls in unstable conditions. Furthermore, complexity variables in both types of balance tests, STS (Sit-to-Stand), and quantitative variables in the STS test are influenced by PD. In balance tests, spatial variables showed greater sensitivity to changes in BoS conditions, while visual variables were more sensitive compared to others.
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