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A prospective analysis of falls in Parkinson's Disease: Does physical capacity moderate the relationship between walking amount and falls rates?

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Ríona McArdle, Dr Lisa AlcockORCiD, Heather Hunter, Dr Brook Galna, Dr Rachael LawsonORCiD, Dr Silvia Del DinORCiD, Professor Alison YarnallORCiD, Professor Lynn RochesterORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

Falls are a significant concern for people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP), often leading to restriction of walking activities to avoid situations where falls may occur. However, limited research has explored the relationship between walking amount (i.e. daily steps) and falls, particularly how this relationship may be influenced by physical capacity (i.e. gait speed). This study aimed to address that gap. Results indicate that higher daily step counts were associated with higher fall rates in PwP with moderate physical capacity, and lower fall rates in those with high capacity. The relationship between walking and fall rates was moderated by physical capacity.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Mc Ardle R, Alcock L, Hunter H, Galna B, Godfrey A, Lawson RA, Del Din S, Yarnall A, Klenk J, Rochester L

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Parkinson's Disease

Year: 2026

Volume: 16

Issue: 2

Pages: 375-382

Print publication date: 01/03/2026

Online publication date: 13/02/2026

Acceptance date: 11/01/2026

Date deposited: 11/01/2026

ISSN (print): 1877-7171

ISSN (electronic): 1877-718X

Publisher: Sage Publications

URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/1877718X261418987

DOI: 10.1177/1877718X261418987

Data Access Statement: The data presented in this study are available on request from the study Principal Investigator, Professor Lynn Rochester (lynn.rochester@ncl.ac.uk). The data are not publicly available due to ongoing analysis.

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