The Acute Effect of Cervical Mobilization in Parkinson's Disease

The Acute Effect of Cervical Mobilization on Balance and Gait in Patients With Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease

Patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease have balance and gait problems due to sensory and motor impairments. In the literature, there are lots of studies including various approaches for rehabilitation of these parameters such as sensory interventions, conservative treatments, neurophysiological approaches and motor imagery. However, taking into account of literature, there is no study investigating the effects on balance and gait of cervical mobilization by stimulating proprioceptors and vestibular receptors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the acute effect of cervical mobilization on balance and gait in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease have balance and gait problems due to sensory and motor impairments. In the literature, there are lots of studies including various approaches for rehabilitation of these parameters such as sensory interventions, conservative treatments, neurophysiological approaches and motor imagery. The posture of the cervical region is impaired by the findings of the disease such as rigidity, flexor posture and loss of axial rotation. Considering that the cervical region is rich in proprioceptors and one of the key points for the vestibular system, interventions to this area can be thought to contribute to postural control and gait. However, taking into account of literature, there is no study investigating the effects on balance and gait of cervical mobilization by stimulating proprioceptors and vestibular receptors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the acute effect of cervical mobilization on balance and gait in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having been diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease
• Being between the ages of 50-80
• Patients scoring >24 on Standardized Mini Mental State Examination
• Modified Hoehn and Yahr stage 2-3
• No medication or dose changes during treatment
• Not participating in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation program in the last 6 months
• Volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Vertebrobasilar insufficiency
• Other neurological diseases
• Postural hypotension, visual problems (which can not be compensated with the correct lens) or vestibular disorders that may affect balance
• Cardiopulmonary diseases that may affect gait
• Orthopedic problems (such as fracture, osteomyelitis, severe osteoporosis), advanced inflammatory arthritis, knee prothesis
• Uncontrolled dyskinesia or motor fluctuation
• Excessive use of alcohol or substance abuse
• Anticoagulant therapy, blood clotting diseases
• Long-term use of corticosteroids