Empowering people with Parkinson’s disease to remain active while managing mobility risks may prevent falls, according to a study published in Clinical Rehabilitation and reported by Parkinson’s News Today.
Advising patients to simply avoid risky activities can lead to sedentary behavior and physical decline. Instead, clinicians are encouraged to use an empowerment-based model that allows individuals to make informed decisions about their own movement.
“As clinical professionals, we have to provide [people] with what we see as the potential risks, what strategies they may elect to undertake to minimise risks, because at the end of the day, the individual makes the decisions about what they choose to take on board,” an occupational therapist involved in the study stated.
Effective fall prevention requires tailoring interventions to a person’s specific cognitive abilities, physical strength, and environment.
Because Parkinson’s symptoms often fluctuate, experts suggest that timing activities to coincide with periods when medication is most effective is a vital component of a personalized plan. Clinicians are encouraged to move away from one-size-fits-all programs.
Instead, they should work alongside patients and their care partners to assess specific challenges through a combination of questionnaires and direct observation. This collaborative approach ensures that safety strategies align with the patient’s personal goals and daily routines.
Researchers identified three core approaches for promoting safer mobility: understanding the context of movement, tailoring interventions to individual needs, and fostering collaboration between patients, therapists, and family members.
“In a safe environment … you can do challenging things but still make it safe,” one physiotherapist explained.
By identifying specific risks—such as freezing of gait, impaired balance, or slowed movement—clinicians can help patients develop problem-solving skills for everyday tasks like climbing stairs or standing up. Care partners help monitor changes in mobility as the disease progresses.
The current study involved 19 physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and researchers, most of whom were based in Western countries. The authors noted that the findings may not be universally applicable across different cultural settings.
Future research is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of these empowerment-based strategies. The study team also emphasized including people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners in future investigations to ensure interventions accurately reflect lived experiences.
Why is avoiding all risky activities not recommended?
Avoiding activity can lead to a decline in physical fitness and muscle strength, which may paradoxically increase the risk of falling. Experts suggest that maintaining activity in a safe, controlled manner is more beneficial for long-term health.
How do medication fluctuations affect fall risk?
Parkinson’s symptoms can change throughout the day based on medication efficacy. Planning daily activities for times when motor symptoms are best controlled can help individuals manage mobility challenges more effectively.
What role do care partners play in fall prevention?
Care partners are essential in identifying subtle changes in a patient’s mobility and helping them implement safety strategies in the home environment. They often provide the necessary support to balance a patient’s desire for autonomy with the need for a safe, managed approach to movement.