Introduction: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to a gradual decline in motor functions. Progression of the disease can lead to a decline in balance, walking and consequently to falls. Functional balance training may improve motor simptoms, balance and walking in patients with Parkinson´s disease. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to determine the effectiveness of functional balance training in patients with Parkinson´s disease. Methods: The literature was searched in the Pubmed and PEDro databases. The search included randomized controlled trials published until September 2020. We did not include studies with the use of devices, or any other forms of exercises, except functional balance training. Also all randomized controlled trials, which were assessed with a PEDro scale 3 or less, were excluded. Results: Seven studies were included in the review. A total of 499 patients with Parkinson´s disease were included in the studies. Functional balance training programmes lasted from five to ten weeks, with two to three sessions per week. Individual sessions lasted 45−60 minutes. Functional balance training program was found to be more effective than programs of exercise for mobility and coordination or placebo. Compared to resistance training, the findings of the studies were contradictory. Functional balance training improved balance, mobility, and functional independence, confidence in balance and reduced the frequency of falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease. We also found that patients were more motivated if the physiotherapist was present during functional balance training. Discussion and conclusion: Functional balance training without the use of devices is an appropriate and effective physiotherapy procedure that improves balance and mobility of patients with Parkinson’s disease. The effects of functional balance training are transferred to the activities of daily living. Further studies including patients with cognitive impairment and a higher rate of Parkinson´s disease are necessary.
|