Postural control, gait, and dopamine functions in parkinsonian movement disorders

Balance impairments and falls, which are common in patients who have parkinsonian movement disorders, are a serious threat to the health of these individuals. However, the underlying mechanisms cannot be fully explained by presynaptic dopaminergic denervation, because balance impairment is least responsive to L-dopa therapy. This article reviews the latest clinically relevant literature relating postural control, gait, and dopamine in patients who have parkinsonian movement disorders.