Effect of physical exercise-movement strategies programme on mobility, falls, and quality of life in Parkinson's disease

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is an incurable, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually results in accumulating disability. Evidence suggests that specific interventions, for example, physical exercise and movement strategy training, can improve some of the PD-associated problems and enhance quality of life. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the effect of a tailored rehabilitation programme, comprising of a combination of exercise therapy and movement strategy training, on falls risk, mobility, and quality of life in people with PD. Methods: A prospective longitudinal design, with 1-and 2-year follow-up, was conducted, where fifteen people with idiopathic PD and average age of 76.1 years attended weekly, then biweekly 90-minute rehabilitation sessions that focused on exercise therapy and movement strategy training. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at 1-and 2-year, which included self-reported number of falls, Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, Tinetti falls assessment tool, and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Results: At 1-year, a significant improvement was identified in gait freezing and Tinetti scores, as well as a statistically significant reduction in the number of falls and falls risk. Several aspects of the PDQ-39 have also improved. Some of the effects continued to exist through year two, but the improvement has not been consistent compared to year one. Conclusion: A combination of regular exercise and movement strategy training has the potential for reducing falls risk, and improving mobility (less gait freezing) and quality of life of people with PD.