Crossover Versus Stabilometric Platform in Parkinson's Disease

Effect of Two Different Rehabilitation Programs on Balance in Parkinsonian Patients: Crossover Versus Stabilometric Platform

The aims of this study is to assess the efficacy of the crossover on balance in Parkinsonian patients and compare this results with the results of a control group of patients treated with a stabilometric platform.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by different motor symptoms (rigidity, akinesia, tremor and impairment of balance and gait). Even though pharmacological treatment has changed the natural course of the disease, balance worsens over time and leads to falls. The aims of this study is to assess the efficacy of the crossover (group 1) on balance in Parkinsonian patients and compare this results with the results of a control group of patients treated with a stabilometric platform (group 2). The group 1 executed 6 days/week for a 4-weeks cycle a crossover protocol based on the first 4 level of resistance and a training which lasts at most 5 minutes. The group 2 executed 6 days/week for a 4-weeks cycle different exercises with the stabilometric platform in monopodalic and in bipodalic standing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• PD in stage III Hoen&Yahr according to Gelb et la. with the ability to walk without any assistance and with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score > 26

Exclusion Criteria:

• MMSE < 26
• Coexistence of other neurological diseases
• PD patients with relevant orthopedic, rheumatic and muscular conditions