Strength Training and Different Subtypes of Parkinson´s Disease

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the impact of progressive resistance exercise (PRE) in PD patients with akinesia and rigidity (AR-subtype). The investigators hypothesized the intervention would have a beneficial effect on the study outcomes.

Twenty-eight patients with PD AR-type of both sexes, were recruited for this trial. Each participant were assigned randomly to either intervention (N=13) or control (N=15) group. The intervention group participated in sixteen PRE training sessions for eight weeks: two sessions per week on non-consecutive days, sixty-seventy min each one. The control group followed their usual weekly physical activity routine. All patients underwent antrophometrical and neuromuscular function assessment (CoP measurements -primary outcomes- and the Ten-Meters Walk Test -TMWT- -secondary outcomes-). In addition, they were asked to provide ratings for the Spanish validated versions of the the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q, 6-item version) -secondary outcomes-, the 39-item Parkinson ́s disease Questionnaire (PDQ39) -secondary outcomes- and the MDS-UPDRS -secondary outcomes-. Additionally, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) (Borg >6-20 scale) - secondary outcomes-, were recorded at the end of each PRE training session. Tests were carried out at three times: pre-test (before the training program), post-test (eight weeks after pre-tests, at the end of the training period), and four weeks after the post-test (re-test).

Progressive resistance exercise (PRE) in akinetic-rigid Parkinson's disease patients. Intervention included sixteen PRE training sessions for eight weeks: two sessions per week on non-consecutive days, sixty-seventy min each one.

The intervention group participated in sixteen PRE training sessions for eight weeks: two sessions per week on non-consecutive days, sixty-seventy min each one.

Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosed with PD AR-type and Hoehn and Yahr Scale 1-2, (H&Y) Do not express any type of dementia Able to stand for two min without assistance; Able to walk ten metres without assistance. Exclusion criteria: To suffer a neurological disease other than PD. Do not meet some of the inclusion criteria.

University School of Sports Medicine, University of Oviedo, Spain. Performance and Health Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport. Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, University of A Coruna, Spain.