Search JFSF


JFSF Vol 9, No 4, December 2024, p.267-280

doi: 10.22540/JFSF-09-267

PDF  


Original Article

Post-Physical Therapy 4-Month In-Home Dynamic Standing Protocol Maintains Physical Therapy Gains and Improves Mobility, Balance Confidence, Fear of Falling and Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Examiner-Blinded Feasibility Clinical Trial

Miriam van Emde Boas1,2,3, Chatkaew Pongmala1,2,3, Abigail M. Biddix1,2,3, Alexis Griggs1,2,3, Austin T. Luker1,2,3, Giulia Carli1,2,4, Uros Marusic5,6, Nicolaas I. Bohnen1,2,3,7

  1. Functional Neuroimaging, Cognitive & Mobility Laboratory, University of M ichigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
  2. Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson’s Disease Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
  3. Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
  4. Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
  5. Institute for Kinesiology Research, Science and Research Centre Koper, Koper, Slovenia
  6. Department of Health Sciences, Alma Mater Europaea University, Maribor, Slovenia
  7. Neurology Service and GRECC, Veterans Administration Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Keywords: Parkinson’s Disease, Physical Therapy, Sedentarism, Sarcopenia, Quality of Life


Abstract

Objective: Parkinson’s patients will experience mobility disturbances with disease progression. Beneficial effects of physical therapy are short-lasting. Novel interventions are needed to maintain these benefits. Methods: Fourteen Parkinson’s patients (71±4.08 years) participated in a randomized controlled examiner-blinded feasibility clinical trial. After 12 physical therapy sessions, the intervention group received a height-adjustable desk that facilitates stepping while standing, for 4 months. Explorative outcome measures included MDS-UPDRS II, III, TUG, 8.5m walking test, PDQ-39, sABC, sFES, DEXA scans, and lower extremity strength. Results: Post-physical-therapy, everyone significantly improved on the MDS-UPDRS II, III, TUG, and 8.5m walking test, and PDQ-39. (p<0.05) After 4 months, the control group regressed towards pre-physical-therapy values. In the intervention group, sedentary behavior decreased beyond desk use, indicating a carry-over effect. MDS-UPDRS II, PDQ-39, sFES, sABC, TUG, 8.5m walking test, activity time, sitting time, hip strength all improved with clinically relevant effect sizes. Conclusion: Post-physical therapy in-home reduction of sedentary behavior was associated with maintenance of physical benefits and additional improvements in mobility, activity time, balance and quality of life.
Share this article on:
Twitter  LinkedIn  Facebook