Article

Postural instability and falls are complex and disabling features of Parkinson's
disease (PD) and respond poorly to anti-Parkinsonian medication. There is an
imperative need to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise interventions in
enhancing postural stability and decreasing falls in the PD population. The objectives of our study were to determine the effects of exercise training on the
enhancement of balance and gait ability and reduction in falls for people with PD
and to investigate potential factors contributing to the training effects on
balance and gait ability of people with PD. We included 25 randomized control
trials of a moderate methodological quality in our meta-analysis. The trials
examined the effects of exercise training on balance and gait ability and falls
against no intervention and placebo intervention. The results showed positive
effects of exercise intervention on enhancing balance and gait performance
(Hedges' g = 0.303 over the short-term in 24 studies and 0.419 over the long-term
in 12 studies; P < .05) and reducing the fall rate (rate ratio = 0.485 over the
short-term in 4 studies and 0.413 over the long-term in 5 studies;
P < .05). The
longest follow-up duration was 12 months. There was no evidence that training
decreased the number of fallers over the short- or long-term (P > .05). The results of our metaregression and subgroup analysis showed that facility-based
training produced greater training effects on improving PD participants' balance
and gait ability (P < .05).
The findings support the application of exercise
training to improve balance and gait ability and prevent falls in people with PD.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS