Aquatic Dual-Task Training and Its Relation to Motor Functions, Activities of Daily Living, and Quality of Life of Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that impacts the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as changes in activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL). Aquatic physical exercises and dual-task physical exercises have been used to manage PD symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a dual-task aquatic exercise program on the ADL, motor symptoms, and QoL of individuals with PD. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a parallel group design was employed, and participants were randomized into 2 groups: a control group and an experimental group. The intervention was a 10-week program consisting of twice-weekly 40-minute aquatic dual-task exercises. Pre-intervention evaluations of ADL, motor function, and QoL were conducted at baseline (AS1), immediately after the intervention (AS2), and 3 months post-intervention (follow-up—AS3). The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II and III sections and the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39) were utilized for outcome measures. Results: A total of 25 individuals completed the study. The experimental group showed significant improvements in both the UPDRS II (ADL) and III (motor function) sections ( P’s < .05), but there was no significant difference in PDQ-39 scores. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the experimental group between the AS2 and AS3 time periods ( P < .05) for both UPDRS II and III scores ( P < .05). Conclusions: Aquatic dual-task training may be effective in improving both ADL and motor functions in individuals with PD. Furthermore, the combination of aquatic environment and dual-task exercises may represent a promising approach to maintaining and improving the functionality of individuals with PD.