WALKING WITH CONFIDENCE: THE IMPACT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY ON IMPROVING BALANCE IN PARKINSONIANS

Abstract

This article sought to identify the main physiotherapeutic interventions to improve balance in patients with Parkinson's disease, based on scientific evidence. An integrative literature review was carried out using the electronic databases SciELO, PubMed, Medline, Lilacs and Cochrane. After a rigorous selection process, seven articles were included, following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected studies revealed that the most effective physiotherapeutic interventions to improve balance in Parkinson's patients include exercises focused on balance, strength and mobility. In general, these studies emphasized the importance of approaches that aim at the functionality and independence of patients, mitigating the risk of falls and their consequences. It is concluded that the scientific literature highlights that the application of physiotherapeutic protocols that include motor coordination, agility and gait training exercises are fundamental and stand out as drivers in improving balance in patients with Parkinson's disease and contribute significantly to the reduction of functional deficit and to the improvement of the quality of life of these individuals.