Effects of medication and dual tasking on postural sway in Parkinson’s disease: A pilot case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Parkinson s disease (PD) is a common neurological disorder, which causes instability in standing balance. The risk factors for falls in PD include disease severity, medication state (On/Off state), and dual tasking. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of dopaminergic medication and dual tasking on standing balance in PD by evaluating not only the center of pressure but also muscle cocontraction. Two patients with PD were included in this pilot case study. Relational trends were found among physical symptoms, COP, and muscle cocontraction. Evaluations of COP and cocontraction may be useful in making decisions for rehabilitation prescription. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT