Are Virtual Objective Assessments of Fall-Risk Feasible and Safe for People with Parkinson's Disease?

Abstract

Falls are inherent to Parkinson's disease (PD) progression, and risk assessment is mandatory for optimal long term management. To determine if the telehealth application of two observer-based, objective measures of fall-risk in PD-Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand (FTSTS) and 360° Rapid-Turns-Test (RTT)-is feasible and safe. Following in-clinic training, 15 people with Hoehn and Yahr Stage 2 (n=8) and 3 (n=7) PD, median MoCA score 25 (range 14-29), and subjective freezing-of-gait (n=13), participated in four televisits with care partners biweekly for 10 weeks where virtual FTSTS/RTT assessments were performed. Participants completed all protocol-driven 120 virtual FTSTS and 60 RTT assessments with effective ratability (feasibility) and zero adverse events (safety). 22% virtual FTSTS and 55% RTT met criteria for high fall-risk designation. Objective fall-risk assessment with virtual FTSTS and RTT through telehealth among HY2-3 PD patients, with varying motor and cognitive function, is feasible and safe following introductory in-clinic training.