A scoping review of safe mobility behaviour in fall prevention: implications for people with Parkinson's disease

PurposeFalls are a major concern for people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) due to associated motor and non-motor impairments. Promoting safe mobility behaviour may be an effective fall prevention intervention, however this concept is poorly articulated in the literature. The aim of this scoping review was to map out the definition and concepts of safe mobility behaviour to draw implications for PwPD.Materials and methodsThe Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews was followed. Studies involving older adults (aged >= 65 years) and/or PwPD that sought to define, describe, and/or explain this concept were included.ResultsOf the 21,936 records retrieved, 124 publications were included. No studies defined safe mobility behaviour. However, its performance was described as a combination of observable actions and cognitive processes. Mobility behaviour was influenced by an interaction between the person, environment, and task performance.ConclusionWe propose a definition for safer mobility behaviour as any protective action and associated functional cognitive process used to reduce the likelihood of a fall during mobility-related activities. It is unique to each person and occurs across a continuum of safer to riskier behaviour. Future research developing and testing interventions targeting safer mobility behaviour for PwPD is warranted.