Balance and Falls Research (2019)

In this webinar, Eveline Pasman, PhD Candidate at the University of British Columbia in the School of Kinesiology, provided an overview of Parkinson's disease's impact on balance control, discussing falls' prevalence, risk factors, and assessment methods.

The talk highlighted how Parkinson's affects both static and dynamic balance, leading to postural deficits and increased fall risks. Anxiety and fear of falling worsen postural instability, and current treatments show limited improvement, urging the need for new therapeutic targets. Functional neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and PET offer insights into brain regions involved in balance control for innovative treatment strategies.

A developed balance simulator proved effective in identifying balance deficits in Parkinson's individuals, while brain region analysis from functional MRI data showcased distinct connections in those with Parkinson's, warranting further investigation for therapeutic approaches.

View the video slides accompanying this presentation by clicking here.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**