In a nutshell
This study investigated whether sensory feedback (SF) improves anxiety symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that SF significantly improves anxiety outcomes in these patients.
Some background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic condition that affects the brain cells. These cells lose their ability to control body functions causing physical and mental symptoms. It affects around 1% of the population over the age of 60 in the US.
Anxiety affects up to 6% of patients with PD and it has been linked to sensory deficits. This also affects balance and movement control. It happens when certain sounds, sights, smells, textures, and tastes can create a feeling of sensory overload. Prior studies showed that with sensory feedback (SF), anxiety had a reduced effect on walking. SF is provided when information from the sensory system returns to the brain. This information is then monitored and processed by the brain.
It is not clear whether SF exercises improve anxiety in patients with PD.
Methods & findings
This study included 35 patients with PD and anxiety. These patients were assigned to receive SF exercises (18 patients) or placebo exercises (17 patients; exercise with no effect on the body). These patients completed 33 one-hour sessions of SF exercises over 11 weeks.
Anxiety was measured by questionnaires filled by the participants, before and after the start of the treatment. Anxiety rates significantly decreased in the SF treatment group only. Also, in the SF group, there were significant improvements in PD symptoms in the periods before taking the medications (OFF periods). This was not seen in the placebo group.
The bottom line
This study concluded that exercises focusing on SF might improve anxiety and PD symptoms in patients with PD.
The fine print
This study included a limited number of participants. Further studies with a bigger population are necessary.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Apr 17, 2020
