AIM:
To assess postural instability in Parkinson’s disease using the Compensatory Stepping Correction item from the Mini-BESTest.
Compensatory Stepping Correction
Additional Information
RATIONALE:
Postural instability is a common motor impairment in people with Parkinson’s disease. This test assesses the patient’s reactive postural control by evaluating their ability to recover from a sudden loss of support.
EQUIPMENT:
None
KEY POINTS:
- Test all directions – forwards, backwards, left and right.
- Use the Mini-BESTest criteria (see manual) to score the patient’s response.
- Ensure the therapist is positioned to steady the patient if necessary, but not to interfere with recovery steps taken by the patient.
- For patients at risk of falling during the test, have another person nearby to help steady the patient, or conduct the test with the patient wearing a safety harness.
COMMON ERRORS:
Therapist does not stay close enough after releasing the patient to steady them if necessary, or stays too close and interferes with the patient’s steps.
PROGRESSION AND VARIETY:
Not applicable (as this test is performed in a standardised manner.)