Which Tools Better Predict Fall Risk in Parkinson's Disease: A Comparative Study of Objective, Self-Reported, and Functional Balance Assessment

Introduction: Falls are common in Parkinson's disease (PD), affecting 30-90% of patients annually, with more than half experiencing recurrent falls. Identifying balance assessment tools that are both practical and predictive of fall risk is therefore essential. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fall frequency and three balance assessment tools: the Biodex Balance System (objective), the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) (self-reported), and the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) (functional). Methods: Patients with PD at Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3 will be included in the study. Fall data will be collected using a fall diary, while objective balance will be assessed with the Biodex Balance System, functional performance will be evaluated with the Mini-BESTest, and self-reported balance confidence will be measured with the FES-I.