The Immediate Effect of Trunk Weighting on Balance and Functional Measures of People with Parkinson's Disease: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND

Declines in postural control, mobility, and gait are related to negative health outcomes in Parkinson's disease (PD). The addition of small weights to the trunk has been used to increase postural stability and functional performance in persons with neurological dysfunctions but not in persons with PD. The purpose of the study was to determine if small weights applied on the torso have immediate effects on balance and mobility in people with PD.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

METHODS

Forty-two subjects with PD were randomly assigned to a no weight (NW), fixed weight (FW), and variable weight (VW) placement group. Outcome measures included the instrumented modified clinical test of sensory interaction in balance (mCTSIB), Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), timed up and go (TUG), modified timed up and go (mTUG), functional reach test (FRT), 360° turns, 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and lower extremity strength. These measures were performed at baseline and after group assignment. Weights approximately 1-1.5% of the participant's body weight were attached to the trunk using a vest garment according to group assignment. Post-testing was performed immediately after application of weights, using the same outcome measures as the pre-test. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and post hoc tests were used to determine the group with the most statistically significant improvement.

RESULTS

The VW group showed significant improvement in the 10-meter walk compared with the NW group (p=0.039) and the FW group (p=0.008). All other outcome measures did not reach significant differences between all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Strategic trunk weighting has the potential to improve mobility and balance in a sample of individuals with PD. The findings support existing literature on the positive effects of torso weighting. A treatment that includes the addition of small weights on the torso is a promising intervention that may improve balance and mobility.