Tichenoff, A.1,2 Holmes, J.D.1,3 Klapak, H.2 Lemmon, J.2 Picanco, M.2 Torrieri, A.2 and Johnson, A.M.1,2
1Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada. 2School of Health Studies, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada. 3School of Occupational Therapy, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
Abstract
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by gaze palsy, bradykinesia, postural instability, and mild dementia. PSP is one of the most common parkinsonian disorders, second only to Parkinson's disease. Of primary concern to individuals with PSP are issues related to reduced mobility, particularly with regards to their increased frequency of falling backwards. Although medical treatment (predominantly pharmaceutical) has been found to be effective for improving some symptoms including slowness and rigidity, most of these interventions are only partially effective in maintaining and improving balance and gait. Mobility issues in PSP are, therefore, addressed primarily through fall prevention programs delivered by physical and occupational therapists. In this review article, we will provide an overview of the current literature that explores nonpharmacological methods for reducing fall risk among individuals living with PSP.
Key words: progressive supranuclear palsy, falls prevention, gait, balance, gait training, balance training, adaptive equipment.
