Effect of PD-WEBB training on balance impairment and falls in people with Parkinson's disease

Objective: To determine the effect of Parkinson's disease-weight bearing exercise for better balance (PD-WEBB) exercise on balance impairment and falls in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. The falls efficacy scale score, unified Parkinson disease rating scale (UPDRS) score and Mini-BESTest score were measured and compared between a PD-WEBB group and a control group.

Results: The falls efficacy scale score, UPDRS-2 score, UPDRS-3 score and Mini-BESTest score were improved in the PD-WEBB group compared with the control group (P<0.05), with no significant change in UPDRS-1 score between the two groups.

Conclusions: PD-WEBB training can significantly improve the balance impairment and quality of life to prevent falls. PD-WEBB training is suitable for PD patients in China, and is a reasonable, effective and sustainable training of family and community assessment model.