Discordance Between Balance Ability and Perception and Its Relation to Falls in Parkinson's Disease: A Replication Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Falls are a common challenge for people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), driven by balance impairments and misaligned perceptions of balance abilities.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the replicability and generalizability of the relationship between balance ability and perception discordance and fall risk.

METHODS

Using baseline data from 2 clinical trials involving 171 PwPD, discordance was calculated using the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale and Timed Up and Go (TUG) or the Mini Balance Evaluation System's Test (MiniBEST).

RESULTS

Findings supported the replicability of discordance as a predictor of fall risk, with results consistent across measures. While TUG-derived discordance was statistically significant, MiniBEST-derived discordance showed generalizability without statistical inferiority.

CONCLUSION

These results emphasize the relevance of balance perception and its misalignment with ability as fall risk predictors.