Abstract
This study investigated ideas for fall prevention based on characteristics of Parkinson’s disease patients
falls depending on the presence or absence of on-off phenomenon. In February 2017, we collaborated
with the Tokyo office of the Japan Parkinson’s Disease Association and mailed an anonymous self-report
questionnaire to 822 of its members. Of these, 336 members provided primary data about their falls (effective response rate, 40.9%), which were analyzed. The patients were divided into an on-off group
( n =136, 40.5%, mean age 71.9±7.9 years) or a non-on-off group ( n =200, 59.5% mean age 73.8±7.4
years) based on having the “on-off” phenomenon. The mean off-time was 5.6±4.3 hours. We compared
patients’ locations and situations at the time of falls in relation to 140 body locations affected by falls in
the previous month. Results indicated that patients with and without the on-off phenomenon, and the average score decreased by Hoehn & Yahr scale. Moreover, patients with the on-off phenomenon had many
movement-related symptoms making it difficult to adjust their medication. It is suggested that the on-off
phenomenon could be one fall prevention indicator. We have concluded that it is essential to support fall
prevention self-efficacy, prevent falls during on and off states, and independent and assisted activities.
