In a nutshell
This study investigated whether resistance training improves freezing of gait (FOG) severity in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that adapted resistance training significantly improves the outcomes of FOG.
Some background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic disorder that affects the brain. Brain cells lose their abilities in controlling body functions. This is associated with symptoms such as tremors or FOG. FOG affects more than one-third of patients with PD. FOG is a brief absence or reduction of walking capacity. It is associated with increased falls and dependence and poor quality of life.
Prior studies showed that resistance training with instability improved the symptoms of patients with PD. This training was highly complex and showed to improve brain activation. It consisted of weight with repetitive postural exercises (such as lunges), dual-task exercises performed on an unstable platform. If this treatment decreases FOG severity in patients with PD is not well known.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 32 patients with PD and FOG. These patients were assigned to receive either resistance training with instability (17; group 1) and standard treatment (15; group 2). Both groups performed exercises 3 times a week for 12 weeks.
Group 1 had improvements in all the outcomes. Patients in grup 2 did not see any improvements. Outcomes inproved in group 1 included FOG severity, physical signs, quality of life, postural amplitude, and brain activation.
The bottom line
This study concluded that resistance training with instability improves FOG in patients with Parkinson's disease.
The fine print
This study had a very small number of participants and a short follow-up period. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Published By :
Movement disorders: official journal of the Movement Disorder Society
Date :
Jun 18, 2020
