Article

Asymmetry of symptoms of Parkinson's disease is clinically most evident for
appendicular impairments. For axial impairments such as freezing of gait,
asymmetry is less obvious. To date, asymmetries in balance control in PD patients
have seldom been studied. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether
postural control can be asymmetrically affected in mild to moderate PD patients.
Seventeen PD patients were instructed to stand as still and symmetrically as
possible on a dual force-plate during two trials. Dynamic postural asymmetry was
assessed by comparing the centre-of-pressure velocities between both legs.
Results showed that four patients (24%) had dynamic postural asymmetry, even
after correcting for weight-bearing asymmetry. Hence, this study suggests that
postural control can be asymmetrical in early PD. However, future studies should
investigate the prevalence of dynamic postural asymmetry, in a larger group of PD
patients. It should also be further investigated whether this approach can be
used as a tool to support the initial diagnosis or monitor disease progression,
or as an outcome measure for interventions aimed at improving balance in PD.
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Langue : ANGLAIS