Physiotherapy benefits patients with Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Thirty-six patients with Parkinson's disease, of Hoehn and Yahr grade I-IV, on optimal unchanging drug therapy, were taught physiotherapeutic exercises in their own homes. They were assessed by timed tests twice before and once after a fortnight's exercises. A postal follow-up was conducted at three months. There were statistically significant improvements in walking (17%), turning over in bed, sitting from lying, and standing from sitting (each approximately 30%). Improvement was irrespective of the duration of disease, and was seen with all degrees of initial impairment of mobility. After three months, half the patients were still doing their exercises daily. Intercurrent illness, tiredness, and lack of perceived benefitwere the main reasons for discontinuance.