Date of Award
2015
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not exercise reduces the risk of falls in Parkinson’s patients
Study Design: Review of three English language randomized control trials (RCTs) published in 2003, 2007 and 2010.
Data Sources: 3 randomized controlled trials published after 1999 were obtained using Pubmed.
Outcomes Measured: The Allen study used a Parkinson’s disease fall risk scoring. The Ashburn study used patient dairies to record incidence of falls. The Hirsch study used Sensory Orientation testing assessing the trials resulting in falls.
Results: Allen et al and Ashburn et al found no significant reduce in the incidence in falls while Hirsch et al was able to show a significant reduction in the incidence of falls.
Conclusion: Evidence supporting the role of exercise in reducing the incidence of falls in Parkinson’s patients in inconclusive and conflicting at this time. A more standard exercise program and method of collecting results is needed for studies that can last longer and represent a larger portion of the population of Parkinson’s patients.
Recommended Citation
Tansey, Michael J., "Does Exercise Reduce the Risk of Falling in Parkinson’s Patients?" (2015). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 252.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/252