A literature review of the assessment tools for postural deformities in patients with Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by four pathognomic symptoms: resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural abnormalities. These postural deformities, including Camptocormia, Pisa Syndrome, and antecollis, significantly complicate patient management. This literature review aims to identify and evaluate the primary assessment tools used for postural anomalies in PD, reflecting the shift towards less invasive and more technologically advanced methodologies.EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A comprehensive search across MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases was conducted, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The search targeted studies on the assessment of postural dysmorphia in PD patients, with eight articles meeting the inclusion criteria for review.EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The evolution of assessment tools from traditional X-rays and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) only to modern software and devices illustrates a paradigm shift in evaluating postural anomalies in PD. Notably, the NeuroPostureApp® has emerged as a gold standard since 2019. The review highlights a progression towards non-invasive, accurate, and patient-friendly assessment methods, including the use of optically focused video cameras, force plates, and the simple wall goniometer. These tools offer a nuanced understanding of postural abnormalities, facilitating better patient management and treatment outcomes.CONCLUSIONS: The review underscores a significant advancement in the assessment of postural anomalies in PD, marked by the integration of technology and less invasive methods. This evolution enhances the precision in diagnosis and monitoring, enabling tailored therapeutic interventions. Despite these advancements, challenges such as technology acceptance and validation remain. Future research should focus on refining these tools to optimize care for PD patients.