Postural motor learning in Parkinson's disease: The effect of practice on continuous compensatory postural regulation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Although balance training is considered the most effective treatment for balance impairments in Parkinson's disease (PD), few studies have examined if learning for balance control remains intact with PD. This study aimed to determine if learning for automatic postural responses is preserved in people with PD.

Methods

Eleven participants with moderate PD (68±6.4years; H&Y: 2-3) on their usual medication maintained balance on a platform that oscillated forward and backward with variable amplitude and constant frequency. Participants completed 42 trials during one training session, and retention and transfer tests following a 24-h delay. Performance was measured by comparing spatial and temporal measures of whole-body centre of mass (COM) with platform displacement

SUBMITTER: Van Ooteghem K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5568123 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature