A Rehabilitative Approach in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Impact of Mézières Rehabilitative Method in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitative approach using breathing and relaxation techniques, and specifically the elongation of the latissimus dorsi muscle according to the Mézières Method to improve balance and posture and relief pain in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis od idiopathic Parkinson's disease (according to UK Brain Bank Criteria), Hoehn-Yahr stage ≤3 (determined during "on phase"), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) > or = 27, no rehabilitation treatment carried out within 3 months prior to the study, diagnosis of Parkinson's disease by at least 5 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dyskinesias
• Severe fluctuations "on-off"
• Modifications of anti-Parkinsonian drug therapy during the three months prior to the start of the study)
• Sensitivity deficit of the trunk or lower extremities (physical examination)
• Vestibular disorders or paroxysmal vertigo
• Previous thoracic or abdominal surgery
• Other neurological or orthopedic conditions involving the trunk or lower extremities (musculoskeletal diseases, severe osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy, prosthetic surgery)
• Cardiovascular comorbidities (recent myocardial infarction, heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, orthostatic hypotension)