Abstract Details

Title A novel tele-rehabilitation program aimed at reducing fall risk in Parkinson’s Disease patients

Topic Movement Disorders

Presentation(s) P1 - Poster Session 1 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 5-007

Objective

Our primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of using teleconferencing technology to provide Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients at risk for falls, alongside their supervising carepartners, a novel telemedicine-based falls-prevention program comprised of tele-physical therapy (PT) and tele-occupational therapy (OT) using a mobile platform (a tablet stand on wheels).

Background

Despite the serious implications of falls in PD, there are no universally-adopted and available falls-prevention programs for PD patients. Telemedicine has established itself as an innovative strategy to improve access to specialty care and neutralize patient-related barriers like time, travel, and cost burden. New approaches in assessing and preventing falls are needed due to their profound consequences.

Design/Methods In this pilot interventional trial, we designed a 10-week program focused on falls-prevention comprised of an initial and final in-person assessment and 4 televisits, at 2 week intervals, with a neurologic-certified physical therapist and occupational therapist with significant experience working with PD patients. Feasibility was measured by adherence, retention, and safety. Preliminary efficacy was assessed by measures of: progress towards 3 PT-goals and 2 OT-goals (GAS) and adherence to home safety recommendations; and change in: number of falls and near-falls (Falls Diary), balance confidence (ABC scale), and quality-of-life (PDQ-39).

Results Fifteen patients enrolled in our pilot trial with 100% adherence to visits, zero drop-outs, and zero adverse events. Four patients will complete study participation (n=15) by October 2021, at which point we will evaluate the preliminary efficacy variables (pending results to be reported on the poster).

Conclusions

A tele-rehabilitation program targeting gait and balance in PD patients at risk of falls is feasible and we hypothesize was efficacious as measured by the overall change in GAS scores and adherence home safety recommendations, reflecting reduced fall risk.

Authors/Disclosures
Jessica Joyce PRESENTER	Ms. Joyce has nothing to disclose.
Noel Cabanas	No disclosure on file
Mitra Afshari, MD (Rush University Movement Disrders)	The institution of Dr. Afshari has received research support from Consolidated Anti-Aging Foundation, Chicago, IL. The institution of Dr. Afshari has received research support from Rush University Department of Neurology.
Andrea Hernandez	Ms. Hernandez has nothing to disclose.
Glenn T. Stebbins, PhD (Rush University Medical Center)	Dr. Stebbins has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen. Dr. Stebbins has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Partners Healthcare System. Dr. Stebbins has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for CHDI. The institution of Dr. Stebbins has received research support from Department of Defense. Dr. Stebbins has received research support from Cleveland Clinic Health Systems. Dr. Stebbins has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Course Director with MDS.
Christopher Goetz, MD, FAAN (Rush University Medical Center)	The institution of Dr. Goetz has received research support from Michael J. Fox Foundation. The institution of Dr. Goetz has received research support from NIH. The institution of Dr. Goetz has received research support from Department of Defense. Dr. Goetz has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Goetz has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Goetz has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.

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