Balance Ability and Occupational Performance in Patients With Parkinson's Disease and On-Medication-State Freezing of Gait.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine balance ability and occupational performance in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and on-medication-state freezing of gait (FOG).

Design: A cohort study with three groups was conducted.

Methods: Seven patients with PD and on-medication-state FOG with optimized pharmacological therapy; seven patients with PD matched by age, gender, length of time since diagnosis, and Hoehn and Yahr stage; and seven controls were included. Outcomes included balance and occupational performance. Nonparametric analyses were used.

Findings: Significant differences were found between the two subgroups of patients with PD in the Timed Up & Go Test when adding a cognitive task, dual-task interference, and self-confidence in balance.

Conclusions: Patients with PD and on-medication-state FOG had lower scores on dual-task interference and self-confidence than matched PD patients.

Clinical relevance: The assessment and rehabilitation approach for patients with PD and on-medication-state FOG should include balance confidence and dual-task interference.