Postural instability, which involves difficulty with balance, is among the most challenging movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This instability often leads to falls, which are not only the primary reason for emergency room visits but also a significant contributor to healthcare costs for individuals with PD. Research has underscored the importance of early detection of instability, continuous monitoring, and timely intervention to alleviate the increasing economic and emotional burden associated with postural instability in PD patients.
In a recent development, a team of researchers published findings in the journal Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair from a randomized controlled trial that evaluated the DART platform. DART is an augmented reality treatment designed to address postural instability and gait dysfunction (PIGD) through dual-task training. This single-blind study examined the impact of DART in PD patients when compared to a traditional dual-task training program. The study involved 47 patients, each completing 16 therapeutic sessions over an 8-week period. The primary outcomes measured included clinical assessments and biomechanical outcomes during single- and dual-task activities.
Subsequent to this publication, NeurologyLive® reached out to the lead investigator, Dr. Jay Alberts, to gather insights on the trial’s significance. Dr. Alberts, the Edward F. and Barbara A. Bell Endowed Chair at Cleveland Clinic, provided commentary on the DART platform, its development, the criteria for trial inclusion, and the potential role of augmented reality in enhancing the treatment of individuals with neurological disorders.
Source NeurologyLive
