Cochrane publishes review of falls interventions in Parkinson's

A Cochrane review of 32 studies comprising 3,370 participants has considered interventions for falls in people with Parkinson's. The review looked at exercise, medication and patient-education as three specific falls interventions. Its conclusions were measured and recommended further research across a range of areas to provide more conclusive evidence.

In summary, the reviewers stated that:

• Exercise interventions probably reduce the rate of falls, and probably slightly reduce the number of people falling in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's.

• Cholinesterase inhibitors 'may reduce the rate of falls' reviewers said, but there was uncertainty as to whether the medication reduces the number of people falling, and there is clear directive around the importance of considered, balanced decisions concerning their use.

• There was insufficient evidence to make a judgement on the use of patient-education as an intervention, but the effect of this alone or combined with exercise was suggested as a useful line of research to take further.

For the full review, visit the Cochrane Library.

Ref: Allen NE, Canning CG, Almeida LRS, Bloem BR, Keus SHJ, Löfgren N, Nieuwboer A, Verheyden GSAF, Yamato TP, Sherrington C. Interventions for preventing falls in Parkinson's disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2022, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD011574. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011574.pub2. Accessed 10 June 2022.