Sensory Attention Focused Exercise in Parkinson's Disease

Canada, Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), Parkinson Society Canada, Canada, Sun Life Financial, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

The purpose of this study is 1.) to determine if sensory attention focused exercise is an effective management strategy for Parkinson's disease, and 2.) to identify if the benefits are a result of strength gains.

Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease (PD) and although medication offers symptom reduction, there are many negative side effects associated with medication use. Thus, there has been an increased emphasis on exercise interventions for symptom reduction. Recent research has shown that both sensory attention focused exercise (SAFEx) and strength training interventions improved disease severity more so than other exercise interventions (such as aerobic, aquatic and no exercise). Upon closer examination, SAFEx showed further symptom improvements than the strength training program. Thus exists the need to further examine SAFEx using a standardized protocol - a single-blind randomized double-crossover trial - that has been used sparingly in exercise interventions. In addition, the 30-second chair stand has been implemented into the testing protocol, as it has been shown to be a reliable measurement of functional strength for older adults. This test was implemented in order to identify the functional strength gains, if any, that are associated with SAFEx. It is hypothesized that the SAFEx intervention will improve disease symptoms in PD, and that the results will not be due to strength gains.

Participants received 12 weeks of Sensory Attention Focused Exercise, then received 12 weeks of no exercise.

Participants received no treatment for 12 weeks, then received Sensory Attention Focused Exercise for 12 weeks.

Consisted of 12 weeks for SAFEx intervention, 3 times a week for an hour each session. Participants complete dynamic balance activities and a variety of seated stretches and range of motion activities. Participants are cued to focus on sensation and proprioception of limbs. Group A received SAFEx for 12 weeks then received no treatment for 12 weeks.

Consisted of 12 weeks for SAFEx intervention, 3 times a week for an hour each session. Participants complete dynamic balance activities and a variety of seated stretches and range of motion activities. Participants are cued to focus on sensation and proprioception of limbs. Group B received no treatment for 12 weeks, then received SAFEx for 12 weeks.

Participants instructed to stand from a seated position as many times as possible in 30 seconds. Number of completed stands is recorded.

Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) - I and II (self report of mentation, depression, and activities of daily living).

Participants must place and remove 25 pegs as fast as possible using a standard Grooved Pegboard. Participants are timed.

Inclusion Criteria: diagnosis of PD by a clinician/neurologist absence of mentation established medication schedule and dosage Exclusion Criteria: mentation change in medication during period of study change in exercise level during period of study inability to complete the exercise program absence of 5 or more classes, or absence of 3 or more classes in sequence

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