In a nutshell
This study reviewed the effectiveness of different physiotherapy (PT) treatments for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Some background
PD is a chronic disease with progressive symptoms. It affects the brain cells that are responsible for certain body functions. Symptoms can be physical such as tremors and mental such as depression. Physical symptoms are associated with a risk of falls which can result in fractures. These significantly decrease the quality of life of patients.
PT consists of treatment of disease or injury by physical methods such as massage, heat, and exercise. Prior studies showed the effectiveness of PT in treating physical symptoms of patients with PD. However, due to the use of very different PT methods, the best methods in these patients are still not known.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed information about 191 other studies including 7998 patients. Studies comparing any type of PT with no treatment or placebo were included. The main outcomes measured were physical symptoms, balance, gait, and quality of life.
Conventional PT significantly improved physical symptoms, gait, and quality of life. Resistance and treadmill training improved gait. Strategy training improved balance and gait. Dance, nordic walking, balance, and gait training improved physical symptoms, balance, and gait. Nordic walking consists of walking outside/hiking with the help of long sticks.
Video games that require physical activity improved balance and quality of life. Hydrotherapy (exercising in a pool) improved balance. Dual tasking (perform two different tasks at the same time) did not significantly improve any of the outcomes studied.
The bottom line
This study reviewed the effectiveness of different PT treatments for patients with PD.
What’s next?
Discuss with your doctor the best PT for your situation.
Published By :
Neurorehabilitation and neural repair
Date :
Sep 11, 2020
