AIM:
To improve responding to external perturbations
Rationale:
Akinesia, hypokinesia and poor balance in standing and walking increases the risk of falls. Practice is set up to improve the speed and size of steps made in response to external perturbations (sideways, forwards, backwards, diagonally).
Equipment:
- None
Key Points:
- Ensure therapist stands close by to steady patient if necessary
Common Errors:
- Therapist does not stand close enough to steady the patient if necessary, or stands too close and interferes with the patient’s steps
- Ensure patient does not bring the feet too close together initially when stepping sideways as this may result in loss of balance
Progression and Variety:
- Include all directions with and without warning
- Add concurrent cognitive/manual tasks while the patient practices responding to unexpected perturbations