Abstract
BACKGROUND: Falls are a common challenge for people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), driven by balance impairments and misaligned perceptions of balance abilities. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the replicability and generalizability of the relationship between balance ability and perception discordance and fall risk. METHODS: Using baseline data from 2 clinical trials involving 171 PwPD, discordance was calculated using the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale and Timed Up and Go (TUG) or the Mini Balance Evaluation System's Test (MiniBEST). RESULTS: Findings supported the replicability of discordance as a predictor of fall risk, with results consistent across measures. While TUG-derived discordance was statistically significant, MiniBEST-derived discordance showed generalizability without statistical inferiority. CONCLUSION: These results emphasize the relevance of balance perception and its misalignment with ability as fall risk predictors.