Article

Impaired postural control (PC) is common in patients with
Parkinson's disease (PD) and is a major contributor to falls, with significant
consequences. Mechanisms underpinning PC are complex and include motor and
non-motor features. Research has focused predominantly on motor and sensory
inputs. Vision and visuo-cognitive function are also integral to PC but have
largely been ignored to date. The aim of this observational cross-sectional pilot
study was to explore the relationship of vision and visuo-cognition with PC in
PD. METHODS: Twelve people with PD and ten age-matched healthy controls (HC)
underwent detailed assessments for vision, visuo-cognition and postural control.
Vision assessments included visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.
Visuo-cognition was measured by visuo-perception (object identification),
visuo-construction (ability to copy a figure) and visuo-spatial ability (judge
distances and location of object within environment). PC was measured by an
accelerometer for a range of outcomes during a 2-min static stance. Spearman's
correlations identified significant associations. RESULTS: Contrast sensitivity,
visuo-spatial ability and postural control (ellipsis) were significantly impaired
in PD (p=0.017; p=0.001; and p=0.017, respectively). For PD only, significant
correlations were found for higher visuo-spatial function and larger ellipsis
(r=0.64; p=0.024) and impaired attention and reduced visuo-spatial function
(r=-0.62; p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Visuo-spatial ability is associated with PC
deficit in PD, but in an unexpected direction. This suggests a non-linear pattern
of response. Further research is required to examine this novel and important
finding.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS