Background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition that gradually worsens motor function and leads to postural instability and, eventually, falls. Several factors may influence the frequency of future falls, such as slowness, freezing of gait, loss of balance, and mobility problems, cognitive impairments, and the number of previous falls. The TED bracelet is an advanced technological wearable device able to predict falls.
Aims
This principal aim is to investigate the feasibility of a full-scale research project that uses the TED bracelet to identify whether individuals with PD are at risk of falling.
Methods
This study will involve a pilot prospective observational study design; the subjects will include 26 patients suffering from mild PD and 26 others with no PD and no gait problems. Data will be collected from the TED bracelet and then compared to a paper-based fall diary. The enrolled participants will have a scheduled outpatient evaluation to collect both clinical and instrumental data as well as biological samples.
Discussion
This pilot study could then be implemented in a larger form to further evaluate the effectiveness of the TED device. Finally, it will help further develop gait monitoring systems for people with Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases that can affect physical function and mobility, such as dementia and Alzheimer's.
Conclusions
Preventing falls and their complications could lead to major advancements in the quality of home care for patients with PD, which would significantly impact the quality of life of both these patients and their caregivers.
Introduction
Falls among older people are preventable through exercise‐based programs. However, scientific evidence must be translated into practice to support professionals who implement such programs.
Aim
This study aimed to identify physical exercise interventions for fall prevention and to determine the best practice for implementing them in local community‐dwelling older adults.
Method
We used a narrative synthesis method to produce Effective, Sustainable, and Transferable Preventive Interventions. We reviewed guidelines, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials (RCT) to find the best evidence supporting physical exercises to prevent falls, followed by discussing the evidence with clinical experts to evaluate the best strategy for implementing them into the local context. These steps resulted in the development of a user manual.
Results
We included two guidelines, one systematic review with a meta‐analysis, and one RCT. The developed draft manual includes activities, methods, infrastructural resources, human capital, stakeholders, frequency, and duration of the intervention, information, and educational materials, and implementation models. Our discussion of the intervention with a panel of experts considered resources, barriers, and similar experiences to ensure effectiveness and economic, social, and time sustainability.
Conclusion
The developed manual could be implemented in the local context and adapted to the needs of the population while considering available resources.
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