Document Type : Systematic Review
Authors
1
Department of Neurology, Faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University
2
Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University
3
Physical therapy for neurology and neurosurgery , Faculty of physical therapy , Cairo university , Giza , Egypt
Abstract
Background:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting about 1% of individuals over 60. Balance impairments, along with motor symptoms like bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremors, contribute to falls in up to 60% of PD patients annually, leading to injuries and reduced independence.
Objective:
This review examines the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation in improving balance in PD, exploring its mechanisms, benefits, limitations, and future directions.
Methods:
A review of literature from PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus included randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines on tele-rehabilitation, balance training, and neuroplasticity in PD.
Findings:
Traditional physiotherapy, including gait training, strength exercises, and cueing strategies, improves balance but is often limited by accessibility and mobility challenges. Tele-rehabilitation addresses these barriers through video conferencing, virtual reality, and wearable sensor technologies, providing home-based, digitally guided therapy. Studies show that tele-rehabilitation leads to comparable improvements in postural control and motor function via neuroplasticity, repetitive task training, and patient engagement. Additionally, it allows remote monitoring and personalized feedback, enhancing adherence and independence.
Conclusion:
Tele-rehabilitation is a promising, accessible approach to balance training in PD. However, its widespread adoption requires addressing challenges in digital access, treatment standardization, and safety monitoring. Future research should focus on refining tele-rehabilitation frameworks and integrating AI-driven personalization to optimize patient outcomes.
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