Conventional Physical Therapy Action Observation Therapy on Freezing of Gait and Functional Mobility in Parkinson's Disease

Effects Of Conventional Physical Therapy With And Without Action Observation Therapy On Freezing Of Gait And Functional Mobility In Participants With Parkinson's Disease: A Randomised Clinical Trial

The goal of this study is to determine the effects of action observation therapy with conventional physical therapy on freezing gait and functional limitation in participants with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by rigidity, tremors, and bradykinesia, along with non-motor dysfunction. The exercise rehabilitation has a positive impact on motor and non-motor functions in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Conventional physical therapy (CPT) that involves isometric exercises, stretching techniques, and strength and balance training is useful to improve the severity of functional mobility and freezing of gait. In action observation therapy (AOT), small video clips of different goal-directed tasks were added to rehabilitation to determine the combined effects on outcome.

Inclusion Criteria: The participants were included based on the UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank diagnostic criteria, with clinical findings supporting the diagnosis. The eligible participants were

1. Aged between 50 and 80 years,
2. Both genders,
3. UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank diagnostic criteria, labelled as stage ≤ 3,
4. with a minimum of 2 years since being diagnosed with PD and
5. Freezing of gait score of 9 or higher on FOG-Q
6. Able to understand and follow commands.

Exclusion Criteria:

The exclusion criteria were

1. systemic diseases such as diabetes, sepsis, systemic lupus erythematosus
2. Uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension

2. neurological issues that could affect the assessment and outcomes of treatment, 3. implantation for deep brain stimulation 4. visual or acoustic limitations.