Association Between Orthostatic Blood Pressure Changes, Falls Risk, and Functional Mobility Among Patients With Parkinson’s Disease in Lahore, Pakistan: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v6i9.2048Keywords:
Parkinson’s disease; orthostatic hypotension; falls; balance; gait speed; functional mobility; Lahore.Abstract
Background: Orthostatic blood-pressure reductions and mobility impairments may coexist in Parkinson’s disease and contribute to falls. Objective: To examine associations between orthostatic blood-pressure changes, recorded falls, balance, and functional mobility in patients with Parkinson’s disease in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional evaluation was conducted during a six-month study period at the University of Lahore. Purposive sampling yielded 37 participants. Blood pressure was recorded at baseline and after 1 and 3 minutes of standing. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a maximum systolic decrease of at least 20 mmHg or a diastolic decrease of at least 10 mmHg. Recorded falls, modified Hoehn–Yahr stage, Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale, and gait speed were analyzed. Results: Orthostatic hypotension occurred in 12/37 patients (32.4%). At least one fall was recorded in 10/12 (83.3%) with and 11/25 (44.0%) without orthostatic hypotension (odds ratio 6.36, 95% CI 1.15–35.23; Fisher p=0.035). After adjustment for age and disease stage, the association was inconclusive (adjusted odds ratio 3.92, 95% CI 0.61–25.28; p=0.151). Mean Timed Up and Go, balance and gait-speed differences by orthostatic status were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Orthostatic hypotension was frequent and associated with recorded falls in unadjusted analysis, but independent associations with falls and mobility were not established.
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