Feasibility of a Multidomain Intervention for Safe Mobility in People With Parkinson’s Disease and Recurrent Falls
- Author:
Natalie E ALLEN
1
;
Lina GOH
;
Colleen G CANNING
;
Catherine SHERRINGTON
;
Lindy CLEMSON
;
Jacqueline CT CLOSE
;
Stephen R LORD
;
Simon J G LEWIS
;
Simone EDWARDS
;
Susan HARKNESS
;
Roslyn SAVAGE
;
Lyndell WEBSTER
;
Genevieve ZELMA
;
Serene S PAUL
Author Information
- Publication Type:1
- From:Journal of Movement Disorders 2025;18(2):149-159
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:Mobility limitations and falls are common in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP). Compared with exercise alone, a tailored, multidomain intervention has the potential to be more effective in improving mobility safety and preventing falls. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a multidomain fall prevention intervention (Integrate) designed for PwP who experience frequent falls.
Methods:The home-based intervention was delivered over a span of 6 months by occupational therapists and physiotherapists. The personalized intervention included home fall hazard reduction, exercise, and safer mobility behavior training. The participants received 8 to 12 home visits and were supported by care-partners (when necessary) to participate in the intervention.
Results:Twenty-nine people (recruitment rate: 49%; drop-out rate: 10%) with moderate to advanced Parkinson’s disease, a history of recurrent falls, and mild to moderate cognitive impairment participated in the study, with 26 people completing the study. A moderate-to-high adherence to the intervention was observed, and there were no adverse events related to the intervention. Twenty-one (81%) participants met or exceeded their safer mobility goal based on the Goal Attainment Scale. The participants exhibited a median 1.0-point clinically meaningful improvement according to the Short Physical Performance Battery. An exploratory analysis revealed that fall rates were reduced by almost 50% in the 6-month follow-up period (incidence rate ratio: 0.51; 95% confidence interval 0.28–0.92).
Conclusion:A multidomain occupational therapy and physiotherapy intervention for PwP experiencing recurrent falls was feasible and appeared to improve mobility safety. A randomized trial powered to detect the effects of the intervention on falls and mobility is warranted.
