http://nnr.sagepub.com/content/29/9/827?etoc
A Randomized Controlled Trial
- David Conradsson, MSc1,2
- Niklas Löfgren, MSc1
- Håkan Nero, MSc1
- Maria Hagströmer, PhD1,2
- Agneta Ståhle, PhD1,2
- Johan Lökk, PhD1,2
- Erika Franzén, PhD1,2
- David Conradsson and Erika Franzén, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Physiotherapy, 23100, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden. Email: David.Conradsson.1@ki.se and Erika.Franzen@ki.se
Abstract
Background. Highly challenging exercises have been suggested to induce neuroplasticity in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD);
however, its effect on clinical outcomes remains largely unknown.
Objective.
To evaluate the short-term effects of the HiBalance program, a highly
challenging balance-training regimen that incorporates
both dual-tasking and PD-specific balance
components, compared with usual care in elderly with mild to moderate
PD. Methods. Participants with PD (n = 100) were randomized,
either to the 10-week HiBalance program (n = 51) or to the control group
(n = 49). Participants were evaluated before and
after the intervention. The main outcomes were balance performance
(Mini-BESTest),
gait velocity (during normal and dual-task gait),
and concerns about falling (Falls Efficacy Scale–International).
Performance
of a cognitive task while walking, physical
activity level (average steps per day), and activities of daily living
were secondary
outcomes.
Results. A total of 91
participants completed the study. After the intervention, the between
group comparison showed significantly
improved balance and gait performance in the
training group. Moreover, although no significant between group
difference was
observed regarding gait performance during
dual-tasking; the participants in the training group improved their
performance
of the cognitive task while walking, as compared
with the control group. Regarding physical activity levels and
activities
of daily living, in comparison to the control
group, favorable results were found for the training group. No group
differences
were found for concerns about falling.
Conclusions. The HiBalance program significantly benefited balance and gait abilities when compared with usual care and showed promising
transfer effects to everyday living. Long-term follow-up assessments will further explore these effects.
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This Article
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October 2015 vol. 29 no. 9 827-836Neurorehabil Neural Repair
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You know what's so weird? All these studies that you find on Parkinson's, ALS, Alzheimer's, they're all progressive illnesses. You get worse and worse then you die. Strokes are just the opposite, you get better and better. You'd think they'd want to put more money and effort into researching a disease that has guaranteed better outcomes. But I guess they figure since we survived and we're not guaranteed death from this........my blood is starting to boil. 😕
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