Treadmill training and kinesiotherapy versus conventional physiotherapy in Parkinson’s disease: pragmatic study

Abstract

Introduction: Physiotherapy has been identified in the literature as an important treatment for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in order to improve functional capacity. Little is discussed about the physiotherapy practice environment for this population. Objective: To assess pragmatically the effects of two physiotherapy protocols: Conventional Physiotherapy (CP) and Treadmill Training and Kinesiotherapy (TTK) in patients with PD. Methods: Twenty-four PD patients classified as 1 to 3 of the Hoehn and Yahr scale were randomly allocated into two groups. In CP group (12 patients) exercises were applied aiming to improve range of motion, bradykinesia, postural adjustments and gait. In TTK group (12 patients) exercises were applied aiming to improve physical fitness, mobility and functional independence. Treatments were performed for 50 minutes, twice a week for 14 weeks. The following evaluations were performed before and after the interventions: Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS); gait speed (GS); up stairs (US) and down stairs (DS) tests; timed get up and go test (TUG) and 6-Minute Walk Distance Test (6-MWDT). Socio-demographic and clinical data were presented as descriptive analysis. Variables with normal and non-normal distributions were analyzed by specific statistical tests. Results: Intragroup analysis showed significant results for the TTK group (TUG, US, DS, GS, UPDRS total and UPDRS II) and for the CP group only UPDRS total. Intergroup analysis was favorable for the TTK group (TUG, US, DS, 6-MWDT). Conclusion: CP group improved the general clinical status of the patients, while treadmill and kinesiotherapy improved the physical-functional and clinical aspects.