Associations Between Falls, Balance Confidence, Driving Speed, Braking, and Other Driving Practices in Parkinson's Disease

ABSTRACT

Aims: Factors related to fall risk (balance confidence, motor, visual, and cognitive deficits) may also affect the driving practices of people with Parkinson's disease (PD). The purpose of this study was to explore these potential associations. Methods: A sample of 11 self-reported fallers (mean age 72.3 ± 6.0 years; 55% men) and 16 non-fallers (mean age 71.1 ± 7.2 years; 100% men) were assessed on a battery of clinical measures and brake reaction and response time. Electronic devices were installed in vehicles to examine naturalistic driving practices. Results: In the sample overall, lower balance confidence scores were associated with worse contrast sensitivity, higher levodopa equivalency dosage, and more reported driving avoidance. Fallers had significantly lower balance confidence (p < 0.01), more episodes of hard braking (p < 0.05), and drove at slower speeds (km/hour) on most roadways (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Researchers and clinicians should consider mobility problems, particularly recurrent falls and balance confidence, which may influence driving practices.

KEYWORDS. :

• Parkinson's disease
• falls
• balance confidence
• driving; self-regulation
• naturalistic driving behavior