Effect of Task Specific Training on Activities of Daily Living and Functional Balance Among Parkinson’s Disease Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: In Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients fear of falling, independence in day-to-day activities, andfunctional balance are interconnected. These impairments can significantly limit functionality and lead to disability,increasing the risk of falling by 46%. Falls can result in severe injuries and reduced quality of life.Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of task-specific training on the functionalbalance and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in individuals diagnosed with PD.Materials and Method: 10 patients of the both genders who had idiopathic PD ranged from Stage I to III on theHoehn & Yahr (H&Y) scale. Participants received task specific training for three days a week on alternate days for8 weeks. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) parts II, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and ActivitiesspecificBalance Confidence (ABC) Scale were used as outcome measures. The data was tabulated and analysedusing sigma plot software.Results: The results showed significant improvement in functional balance on BBS from 45.60±2.36 to 50.40±1.95,ADL on UPDRS part II from 22.50±1.95 to 16.70±1.63, balance confident on ABC scale from 68.12±2.20 to 78.24±2.61at the end of 8 weeks, with a p-value of < 0.01.Conclusion: The study concludes that the task specific training significantly improves functional balance,independence in ADL and reduces fear of fall among PD patients.