Functional improvement related to enrolment in a Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation program

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with manifestations such as tremors, rigidity and bradykinesia. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of outpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation. METHODS: 179 patients participated in the six-week program. The following outcomes were measured: Timed Up and Go (TUG), sit to stand five times (STSx5) and in 30 seconds (STS30), six minute walk distance (6MWD) and gait velocity (6MWV), MOCA, bilateral grip strength, 360-degree turn (360 R, 360 L) and bilateral nine hole peg test. Pre- and post- data was analyzed via paired t-tests. Multiple regression was used to determine age- or gender-affected outcomes. RESULTS: Patients showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all outcomes. Mean TUG improved by 1.63 seconds (s), STSx5 by 4.19s, STS30 by 2.37 repetitions, 6MWD by 66.8 metres, 6MWV by 0.15 m/s, MOCA by 1.50 points, 360 R by 1.17s, 360 L by 1.60s, Grip R by 0.78 kg, Grip L by 0.95 kg, 9HP R by 1.71s and 9HP L by 1.58s. Gender had no influence. Age was a statistically significant predictor in STSx5 and 6MW. CONCLUSIONS: An outpatient multidisciplinary program successfully decreased motor impairment and increased overall functional independence in PD.