Control of postural alignment in patients with Parkinsons disease: analysis through postural software (SAPO)

Abstract

This study assesses the alignment of posture and postural control in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Fifty individuals, aged 60–80 years, were viewed in the anterior, posterior, right lateral, and left positions by software for postural assessment (SAPO). The individuals were grouped according to the disease stage and the stage of medication (i.e. “on” or “off” levodopa). In the intermediate to advanced stages, there was a significant standard deviation in the horizontal alignment acromions, in the horizontal alignment of the anterior superior iliac spines, and in the angle between the acromia and the two anterior superior iliac spines. The side view of the left and right relationships was statistically significant for all variables. The “on” stage and the “off” stage groups showed no significant deviation. There was no statistically significant correlation between the center of gravity in the frontal and sagittal planes of the dominant hand and the side of symptom onset. In PD, individuals have increased cervical lordosis and thoracic kyphosis; an anteriorized head; reduced lumbar curvature; increased valgus, increased knee flexion angle; a decline in the support base; zero step; reduced postural stability; anteriorized center of gravity; and changes in the base of support.