Aquatic physical therapy effects on cardiorespiratory variables in Parkinson's disease

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/fm.2023.36126

Abstract

Introduction: Parkinson’s (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. It has motor and non-motor symptoms which is directly related to these people’s decreased autonomy and quality of life. Aquatic physical therapy (APT) is a non-drug treatment option that is a resource to complement functional rehabilitation and/or prevention. Objective: To analyze the effects of an APT program on cardiovascular and fatigue conditions in individuals with PD. Methods: The cardiorespiratory conditions were assessed with vital signs – heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP), measured before and after each intervention. The double product (DP) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), measured pre- and post-intervention, were also used as variables. The intervention had eight 40- minute biweekly sessions over 4 weeks, with immersion in a heated swimming pool at 33 ºC on average. The statistical analysis was made with the paired t-test (to analyze the FSS) and the repeated measures ANOVA test (for DP, BP and HR); significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Fatigue perception with FSS improved significantly (p=0.037), from 4.7±1.6 (pre-intervention) to 4.3±1.6 (post-intervention). There were no statistically significant differences in DP, BP and HR (p=1). Conclusion: HR and BP remained at appropriate values for older people, and DP remained within a safe submaximal training range. Furthermore, the proposed APT program statistically decreased fatigue in this specific group of people with PD.

 

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Author Biographies

Andre Eduardo Falcoski Doliny, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR)

Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy (DPRF)

Adriano Zanardi da Silva, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR)

Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy (DPRF)

Thalyssa Karine Mocelin, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR)

Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy (DPRF)

Vera Lúcia Israel, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR)

Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy (DPRF)

Published

2023-08-16

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Section

Original Article

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