Effects of Sensorimotor-Cognitive Training on Balance and Gait in Patients with Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background Sensory-motor-cognitive integration deficits are common in Parkinson's disease(PD) and significantly limit functional performance, highlighting the growing need for holistic training approaches that target these domains simultaneously. Aims This study aimed to examine the effects of sensory-motor-cognitive integration training on balance and gait in patients with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). Methods A total of 40 PwPD, aged between 45 and 75 years, were included. The intervention group received 24 sessions (3 days per week for 8 weeks) of 60-minute sensory-motor-cognitive integration training. The control group was placed on a waiting list and continued their routine daily activities. All participants were assessed at baseline, at the end of the 8th week, and at the 12th week. Static posturography was used to evaluate balance [Limits of Stability and the Modified Sensory Integration and Balance Clinical Test] and gait (Walk Across test). Additionally, balance was assessed using the Functional Reach Test (FRT), and gait performance was evaluated with the Modified Dynamic Gait Index (mDGI). Results Significant time & times; group interactions were observed for functional balance and gait outcomes. The intervention group showed significant improvements in FRT and mDGI scores over time (p < 0.001), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. Static posturography also demonstrated significant time-related changes and group differences for most parameters (p < 0.05), except for movement velocity, directional control, and step length symmetry. Conclusion These findings suggest that individualized, multidomain sensory-motor-cognitive integration training may represent a particularly effective rehabilitation approach for enhancing balance and gait in PwPD.