Effect of balance training on gait and Activities of daily life in parkinson’s patients

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that commonly affects balance, gait, and motor function, increasing the risk of falls and impairing quality of life. Rehabilitation strategies such as balance training and resistance training have shown promise, but their comparative effectiveness remains underexplored. Aims and Objectives: To compare and evaluate the effects of balance training and resistance training to improve gait and activities of daily living in people with Parkinson’s disease. Methodology: Thirty participants with Parkinson’s disease were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A received balance training and Group B received resistance training, over a 12 weeks of intervention period. Outcomes were measured using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) for motor function and gait. Pre- and post-test scores were analyzed within and between groups using paired and unpaired t-test. Result: Both groups showed significant improvements in Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores post-intervention (p < 0.05). However, Group A (balance training) demonstrated significantly greater improvements compared to Group B (resistance training). The mean improvement in Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) was 27.06 in Group A versus 18.80 in Group B. Conclusion: Balance training was more effective than resistance training in improving gait and functional activities in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.