Home-Based Exercise Programs for Fall Prevention in Parkinson Disease

Falls are common in patients with Parkinson disease and may lead to reduced mobility, fear of falling, loss of independence, and injury. Exercise-based rehabilitation programs may help improve balance, gait, and physical performance in this population. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two home-based exercise programs in patients with Parkinson disease: the Otago Exercise Program and a structured home exercise program. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will receive exercise education and will perform their assigned home exercise program for 6 weeks. Participants will be evaluated at baseline, at week 3, and at the end of week 6. The study will assess fall-related outcomes, freezing of gait, functional mobility, gait parameters, postural control, and physical performance. The results may help determine which home-based exercise approach is more effective for reducing fall risk and improving functional outcomes in patients with Parkinson disease.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Parkinson disease confirmed by a neurologist * Hoehn and Yahr stage 3 or 4 Parkinson disease * Diagnosis of Parkinson disease for at least 5 years * Willingness to participate in the study and provide written informed consent * Ability to walk independently or with minimal assistance * Mini-Mental State Examination score \>24 Exclusion Criteria: * Balance or gait impairment due to causes other than Parkinson disease, such as severe orthopedic problems or another neurological disease * Red flags suggestive of Parkinson-plus syndromes, such as symmetric onset, early falls, early-onset dementia, or gaze palsy * History of serious fall-related injury or surgery within the last 6 months * Any additional health condition that would prevent participation in the exercise program during the study period