Walking Safety and Preventing Falls in Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

I read with great interest the article by Bryant et al. 1 Bryant M.S. Rintala D.H. Graham J.E. Hou J.G. Protas E.J. Determinants of use of a walking device in persons with Parkinson's disease. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2014; 95: 1940-1945 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar Walking safety and preventing falls are two of the most important challenges in progressive Parkinson disease, basically in the late stages of the disease when the patient does not yet need a wheelchair. Objective measures to evaluate timing and type of ambulatory devices in Parkinson's disease could help clinicians make accurate prescription of these devices. Bryant concluded that 2 simple measures, the 5m-timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, could identify those needing a walking device, and the walking devices could be recommended according to the combined outcomes of these 2 measures. 1 Bryant M.S. Rintala D.H. Graham J.E. Hou J.G. Protas E.J. Determinants of use of a walking device in persons with Parkinson's disease. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2014; 95: 1940-1945 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar Determinants of Use of a Walking Device in Persons With Parkinson's DiseaseArchives of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationVol. 95Issue 10PreviewTo identify determinants for the use of a walking device in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). Full-Text PDF The Authors RespondArchives of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationVol. 96Issue 4PreviewWe would like to thank Celik for the comments on our recent article.1 In short, we agree with the comments clarifying that performances on the 2 measures identified in our study (5-m timed Up and Go test and Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale) are not exclusive determinants in recommending a walking device for individuals with Parkinson disease. Clearly, clinicians who prescribe walking devices need to weigh the benefits and risks based on an individual's limitations and preferences, both in general when first considering a device and more specifically when choosing the specific type. Full-Text PDF