LSVT Big for Life: Fall Prevention and Intervention
Location
Lions Eye Center
Document Type
Abstract
Start Date
7-4-2025 3:25 PM
End Date
7-4-2025 3:40 PM
Description
Introduction: Around 60% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease fall each year, making it the number one reason for hospitalizations among this population (American Parkinson Disease Association, 2021; Parkinson’s Foundation, n.d.). A gold standard fall prevention approach has yet to be identified in the literature for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of implementing a fall prevention and intervention program with a group of individuals with Parkinson’s disease who are members of an LSVT Big for Life exercise-based program.
Methods: A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design was implemented. Seven participants completed the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) before and after a 3-session intervention. 3 open-ended reflective questions were administered post-intervention. The intervention consisted of education on fall prevention including an interactive activity on common fall hazards, a home safety checklist, and hands-on instruction on safe procedures to get up from a fall independently. Qualitative data were analyzed to identify common themes and patterns.
Results: The ABC scale showed statisticallya significant improvements (W=27, p=.028), indicating increased confidence. The PDQ-39 mobility and emotional well-being sections yielded improved but not statistically significant results (W=7, p =.892; W=8, p = .596), respectively. However, participants did report increased awareness and confidence in their ability to be better prepared for a fall.
Discussion: Although the change in overall PDQ-39 scores was not statistically significant, results of the ABC scale suggest a fall prevention and intervention program can positively influence an individual’s confidence in preventing falls and perceived balance abilities among individuals with PD.
Recommended Citation
Bode, Makayla; Kelleher, Kathleen; Murphy, Madison; Pippin, Payton; Susslin, Hannah; and Vienne, Lauren, "LSVT Big for Life: Fall Prevention and Intervention" (2025). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 4.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2025/presentations/4
LSVT Big for Life: Fall Prevention and Intervention
Lions Eye Center
Introduction: Around 60% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease fall each year, making it the number one reason for hospitalizations among this population (American Parkinson Disease Association, 2021; Parkinson’s Foundation, n.d.). A gold standard fall prevention approach has yet to be identified in the literature for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of implementing a fall prevention and intervention program with a group of individuals with Parkinson’s disease who are members of an LSVT Big for Life exercise-based program.
Methods: A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design was implemented. Seven participants completed the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) before and after a 3-session intervention. 3 open-ended reflective questions were administered post-intervention. The intervention consisted of education on fall prevention including an interactive activity on common fall hazards, a home safety checklist, and hands-on instruction on safe procedures to get up from a fall independently. Qualitative data were analyzed to identify common themes and patterns.
Results: The ABC scale showed statisticallya significant improvements (W=27, p=.028), indicating increased confidence. The PDQ-39 mobility and emotional well-being sections yielded improved but not statistically significant results (W=7, p =.892; W=8, p = .596), respectively. However, participants did report increased awareness and confidence in their ability to be better prepared for a fall.
Discussion: Although the change in overall PDQ-39 scores was not statistically significant, results of the ABC scale suggest a fall prevention and intervention program can positively influence an individual’s confidence in preventing falls and perceived balance abilities among individuals with PD.
Comments
Mentor: Jessica Allemand