Original Article
J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls 2024 Dec; 9(4):267-280 Copied!
10.22540/JFSF-09-267 Copied!
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
- Functional Neuroimaging, Cognitive & Mobility Laboratory, University of M ichigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson’s Disease Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Kinesiology Research, Science and Research Centre Koper, Koper, Slovenia
- Department of Health Sciences, Alma Mater Europaea University, Maribor, Slovenia
- Neurology Service and GRECC, Veterans Administration Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Keywords:
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.