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, and
functional 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 functional
balance 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 the
Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) scale. Participants received task specific training for three days a week on alternate days for
8 weeks. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) parts II, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Activitiesspecific
Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale were used as outcome measures. The data was tabulated and analysed
using 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±2.61
at 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.