High intensity eccentric resistance training decreases bradykinesia and improves quality of life in persons with Parkinson's disease: A preliminary study

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effects of resistance training on the anxiety symptoms and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: Thirty-five elderly patients were randomly divided into two groups: 17 patients in the control group and 18 in the intervention group. All patients maintained standard pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease, but the intervention group participated in a 24-week resistance training program. The anxiety symptoms were assessed through the Beck's Anxiety Inventory, and quality of life by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire–39. Results: There was a significant reduction in anxiety level and increase in quality of life after 24 weeks of resistance training. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that resistance training is an effective intervention in the reduction of anxiety symptoms and improves the quality of life in elderly people with Parkinson's disease.

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Effects of resistance training on postural control in Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled trial

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2020-0285 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Janini CHEN ◽

Hsin Fen CHIEN ◽

Debora Cristina Valente FRANCATO ◽

Alessandra Ferreira BARBOSA ◽

Carolina de Oliveira SOUZA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Postural Control ◽

Motor Performance ◽

Perceived Quality ◽

Functional Balance ◽

Perceived Quality Of Life

ABSTRACT Background: Postural instability affects Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients’ postural control right from the early stages of the disease. The benefits of resistance training (RT) for balance and functional capacity have been described in the literature, but few studies have been conducted showing its effects on PD patients’ postural control. Objective: To investigate the effects of a three-month RT intervention on static posturography (SP) measurements and clinical functional balance assessment among PD patients. Methods: Seventy-four patients were randomly assigned to a three-month RT intervention consisting of using weightlifting machines at a gym (gym group) or RT consisting of using free weights and elastic bands (freew group), or to a control group. The participants were evaluated at baseline, three months and six months. We evaluated changes of SP measurements under eyes-open, eyes-closed and dual-task conditions (primary endpoint), along with motor performance and balance effects by means of clinical scales, dynamic posturography and perceptions of quality of life (secondary endpoints). Results: There were no significant interactions in SP measurements among the groups. Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) motor scores decreased in both RT groups (p<0.05). Better perceived quality of life for the mobility domain was reported in the gym group while functional balance scores improved in the freew group, which were maintained at the six-month follow-up (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study was not able to detect changes in SP measurements following a three-month RT intervention. Both RT groups of PD patients showed improved motor performance, with positive balance effects in the freew group and better perceived quality of life in the gym group.

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