scholarly journals Boxing vs Sensory Exercise for Parkinson’s Disease: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 154596832110231
Author(s):  
Kishoree Sangarapillai ◽  
Benjamin M. Norman ◽  
Quincy J. Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Motor Symptoms ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Double Blinded

Background. Exercise is increasingly becoming recognized as an important adjunct to medications in the clinical management of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Boxing and sensory exercise have shown immediate benefits, but whether they continue beyond program completion is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of boxing and sensory training on motor symptoms of PD, and whether these benefits remain upon completion of the intervention. Methods. In this 20-week double-blinded randomized controlled trial, 40 participants with idiopathic PD were randomized into 2 treatment groups, (n = 20) boxing or (n = 20) sensory exercise. Participants completed 10 weeks of intervention. Motor symptoms were assessed at (week 0, 10, and 20) using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III). Data were analyzed using SPSS, and repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted. Results. A significant interaction effect between groups and time were observed F(1, 39) = 4.566, P = .036, where the sensory group improved in comparison to the boxing group. Post hoc analysis revealed that in comparison to boxing, the effects of exercise did not wear off at washout (week 20) P < .006. Conclusion. Future rehabilitation research should incorporate similar measures to explore whether effects of exercise wear off post intervention.

scholarly journals The EXPANd trial: effects of exercise and exploring neuroplastic changes in people with Parkinson’s disease: a study protocol for a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

BMC Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Franzén ◽  
Hanna Johansson ◽  
Malin Freidle ◽  
Urban Ekman ◽  
Martin Benka Wallén ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dual Tasking ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Brain Changes ◽  
Double Blinded

Abstract Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects many physiological systems essential for balance control. Recent studies suggest that intensive and cognitively demanding physical exercise programs are capable of inducing plastic brain changes in PD. We have developed a highly challenging balance training (the HiBalance) program that emphasizes critical aspects of balance control through progressively introducing more challenging exercises which incorporates dual-tasking. Earlier studies have shown it to be effective in improving balance, gait and dual-tasking. The study design has thereafter been adjusted to link intervention-induced behavioral changes to brain morphology and function. Specifically, in this randomized controlled trial, we will determine the effects of the HiBalance program on balance, gait and cognition and relate this to task-evoked functional MRI (fMRI), as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in participants with mild-moderate PD. Methods One hundred participants with idiopathic PD, Hoehn & Yahr stage 2 or 3, ≥ 60 years of age, ≥ 21 on Montreal Cognitive Assessment will be recruited in successive waves and randomized into either the HiBalance program or to an active control group (the HiCommunication program, targeting speech and communication). Both interventions will be performed in small groups, twice a week with 1 h sessions for 10 weeks. In addition, a 1 h, once a week, home exercise program will also be performed. A double-blinded design will be used. At the pre- and post-assessments, participants will be assessed on balance (main outcome), gait, cognitive functions, physical activity, voice/speech function, BDNF in serum and fMRI (3 T Philips) during performance of motor-cognitive tasks. Discussion Since there is currently no cure for PD, findings of neuroplastic brain changes in response to exercise would revolutionize the way we treat PD, and, in turn, provide new hope to patients for a life with better health, greater independence and improved quality of life. Trial registration ClincalTrials.gov: NCT03213873, first posted July 11, 2017.

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