01284nas a2200229 4500000000100000008004100001260001600042100002600058700001200084700001200096700001400108700001200122700001100134700001300145700001500158245007100173250001500244300001200259490000600271520072600277020005101003 2014 d c-78932301021 aSherrington Catherine1 aLord S.1 aFung V.1 aHeller G.1 aAlim M.1 aPaul S1 aClose J.1 aCanning C.00aRisk factors for frequent falls in people with Parkinson's disease a2014/10/02 a699-7030 v43 a

Fall frequency varies among individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed to determine whether risk factors that distinguish PD fallers from non-fallers are influenced by frequent falls. 205 people with PD participated in a 6-month prospective study. Factors in previously published fall risk models were analyzed for their associations with fall rates and frequent fallers. Fall history, freezing and impaired reactive balance were associated with fall rates and the proportion of frequent fallers (p < 0.05). These models were highly accurate in discriminating frequent fallers (area under curve 0.84-0.87). Interventions to manage freezing and reduce balance impairment may reduce fall frequency.

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