Effects of balance training in patients with middle and late stages Huntington`s disease: a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Balance impairments occur from middle stage Huntington`s disease. Balance impairments are important because they lead to an increased risk for falls and impaired balance and gait are important predictors for admission in long-term care placement in patients with Huntington`s disease. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of balance training on balance, gait and number of falls in patients with middle and late stages Huntington`s disease. Patients and methods: This study was a repeated measures control group design. Group membership of the intervention and control group was participant self-selected. Participants in the intervention group received individual balance training twice a week for eight weeks. Participants in the control group received regular physical therapy. Balance and gait were measured with the Tinetti Mobility Test and the 10 Meter Timed Walking Test. Results: Eighteen participants (middle and late stages Huntington`s disease) completed the study. Twelve participants received balance training while six received regular physical therapy. There were no statistical significant differences before and after the balance training for the intervention group on all outcome measures. Discussion: Balance training seems to positively influence balance and gait in patients with middle and late stages Huntington`s disease. Balance training does not seem to influence the number of falls. However these conclusions were not statistically confirmed. Possibly because the time of the balance training was too short to demonstrate statistical significant differences. Also, improvement in Huntington`s disease is difficult while it is a progressive disease.