Maladaptive One-Leg Balance Control in Parkinson’s Disease

Balance disorders are very frequent in Parkinson’s disease (PD). One-leg stance performance is a predictor of fall risk. We investigated one-leg strategies people with PD. hypothesized that patients would choose, and better perform on, the leg on least affected body side. Fifty participants 2 to 19 years PD duration stood one while ON medication. The spontaneously chosen was recorded. Performance compared between vs. contralateral, most stable legs. Influence duration, severity, age, cognition, motor fluctuations analyzed. Twenty-eight side, which not always one. standing influenced by switch side after seven duration. Fourteen (28%) their leg. Thus, some choose when asked stance. It important identify these since they may be at greater risk falls and/or gait difficulties. Specific rehabilitation help prevent such maladaptive strategy.