Parkinson disease is characterised as a progressive disorder of the central nervous system which consist of both motor and non-motor symptoms. The cardinal features are rigidity, bradykinesia tremors and as the disease progresses, postural instability are grouped under motor symptoms. Non motor symptoms usually occur before the onset of motor symptoms. Non motor includes loss of sense of smell, orthostatic hypertension, mood disorders, sleep ­­disorders, constipation, altered bladder function, cognitive problems and difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Parkinson disease affects an estimated population of 7-10 million worldwide.

Postural instability is one of the key signs in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Postural instability is the inability to maintain balance in an upright position in both static and dynamic conditions. It is present in some patients even at diagnosis and worsens with disease progression. It is due to abnormal postural reflexes, proprioceptive deficit, stooped posture and postural sway.

Transverse abdominis (TrA) is one of the primary abdominal muscles. Intra-abdominal anterior lumbopelvic postural stability is regulated by the diaphragm, pelvic floor and TrA. On the basis of feedforward principle, the TrA co-creates the internal cylinder of the abdominal cavity that secures the stability of the spine. Also, the TrA plays a major role in performing functional movements and in stabilizing the trunk when the balance of the body is getting affected in both static as well as dynamic conditions. TrA muscle performs its role most efficiently due to its fascia trailers among the other muscles such as diaphragm, lumbar muscle, multifidus muscle and pelvic floor muscles that support it.

Till date, no study has been conducted correlating the transverse abdominus activity and postural stability in Parkinson’s disease population. Hence, the purpose of this study is to find the correlation between the transverse abdominis activity for postural stability in population with Parkinson’s disease as TrA muscle’s normal function is regarded as significant in postural stability.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

Is there any correlation between the transverse abdominis activity and postural stability in Parkinson’s disease population?

HYPOTHESIS (H1): The transverse abdominis activity has a significant correlation with postural stability in Parkinson’s disease population.

NULL HYPOTHESIS (H0): The transverse abdominis activity has no significant correlation with postural stability in Parkinson’s disease population.