Strength Training and Different Subtypes of Parkinson´s Disease

Effects of Progressive Resistance Exercise in Akinetic-rigid Parkinson's Disease Patients

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the impact of progressive resistance exercise (PRE) in PD patients with akinesia and rigidity (AR-subtype). The investigators hypothesized the intervention would have a beneficial effect on the study outcomes.

Twenty-eight patients with PD AR-type of both sexes, were recruited for this trial. Each participant were assigned randomly to either intervention (N=13) or control (N=15) group.

The intervention group participated in sixteen PRE training sessions for eight weeks: two sessions per week on non-consecutive days, sixty-seventy min each one. The control group followed their usual weekly physical activity routine.

All patients underwent antrophometrical and neuromuscular function assessment (CoP measurements -primary outcomes- and the Ten-Meters Walk Test -TMWT- -secondary outcomes-). In addition, they were asked to provide ratings for the Spanish validated versions of the the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q, 6-item version) -secondary outcomes-, the 39-item Parkinson ́s disease Questionnaire (PDQ39) -secondary outcomes- and the MDS-UPDRS -secondary outcomes-. Additionally, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) (Borg >6-20 scale) - secondary outcomes-, were recorded at the end of each PRE training session. Tests were carried out at three times: pre-test (before the training program), post-test (eight weeks after pre-tests, at the end of the training period), and four weeks after the post-test (re-test).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with PD AR-type and Hoehn and Yahr Scale 1-2, (H&Y)
• Do not express any type of dementia
• Able to stand for two min without assistance;
• Able to walk ten metres without assistance.

Exclusion criteria:

• To suffer a neurological disease other than PD.
• Do not meet some of the inclusion criteria.