In a nutshell
This study investigated the effects of exercise therapy to treat the symptoms of patients with Parkinson disease. Researchers suggested that exercise therapy improved the symptoms of these patients in a short-term period.
Some background
Parkinson disease is a progressive disease that affects brain cells. It causes impaired movements and balance. This affects gait and the patient quality of life. Exercise therapy, when combined with drugs can improve movements and balance outcomes. However, the response of each patient to the therapy can be very different. Prior studies have limitations, due to this variation.
More studies are necessary to investigate the effect of high intensity and high-frequency physical exercise in patients with Parkinson disease.
Methods & findings
This study included 55 patients with Parkinson’s disease. Patients were randomly assigned to receive physical exercise treatment (35) and no treatment (20). The treatment consisted of 15 sessions for 3 weeks in the hospital gym.
The agility in the treatment group improved by 38% compared to 2% in the no treatment group. Only the treatment group saw significant improvements in depression (18%), pain (15%), and posture (42 to 56%).
The bottom line
This study concluded that physical therapy in patients with Parkinson’s disease improved clinical symptoms, movements, and balance is a short-term period.
The fine print
This study had a short follow-up period. Longer studies are necessary.
Published By :
Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
Date :
Dec 01, 2018
