The Effect of Combined Balance and Core Stabilization Progressive Training on Balance in Older Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an acute brain disorder that affects body movements. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combined balance and core stabilization progressive training on balance in older patients with Parkinson's disease. In this quasi-experimental study with cross-sectional design, 16 male patients with Parkinson's disease in Sari city were voluntarily selected with convenience sampling method. Then they were divided into two groups using random assignment method and the principle of balancing. The training program included two four-weeks of balance and core stabilization progressive training (3 sessions a week, an average of 30 minutes). In the second four-week, the types of training changed by cross-sectional method. Open and close eyes adjustment was measured as the dependent variable. Statistical analysis of the data at the end of the program revealed a significant change in both open and close eyes balance test scores (P=0.001). Moreover, the difference in open eye balance scores between the two groups was significant (P=0.023). Based on these results, combined balance and core stabilization training is suitable to improve balance in patients with Parkinson's disease and a program in which core stabilization training is performed first is more effective.