TITLE:
Body Balance and Core Training in Parkinson’s Disease: A Longitudinal Crossover Study
AUTHORS:
Allois Ruben, Beratto Luca, Ponzano Matteo, Di Leonardo Piergiacomo, Abate Daga Federico, Gollin Massimiliano
KEYWORDS:
Parkinson’s Disease, Exercises, Body Balance, Core Stability
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Parkinson's Disease,
Vol.6 No.4,
November
27,
2017
ABSTRACT: Objective: The objective of this study was to verify the effects of two different
training protocols based on Core Stability and Body Balance exercises in subjects
with Parkinsons’s Disease. Methods: Eight elderly men with PD (age of
73 ± 9 years, weight 69 ± 16 kg, height 164 ± 13 cm, 2 ± 1 of Disability Score
according to Hoehn and Yahr scale). The disability score was evaluated using
Hoehn and Yahr scale. This study was 12-month-long organized in 3 blocks of
4 months each. The sample was divided in two groups formed by 4 subjects
each group. During the first four months, one group performed core stability
exercises (CSG) while the other group exercised itself through a Balance Exercises
Program (BG). After this first part of the study both protocols were
stopped for the following 4 months. Finally, the group were reversed (counter
balance design) for the last 4 months of physical activity. The two groups were
measured twice, before (T0) and after the treatment (T1). Both treatments
were designed in order to investigate the improvement in core muscles performance
in order to grant a better balance control and to reduce the risk of
falling. Results: statistically significant variations were found in the flight time
of Sit-to-Stand (p (Table 1). Conclusion: Both Body Balance and Core training can
be considered two good physical exercise methods for people with PD. This
study highlights the positive effects of this training protocol on legs strength
improvements and on the balance control while walking.