Effects of physical training on straightening-up processes in patients with Parkinson's disease

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether motor training could improve the straightening-up sequences in patients with Parkinson's disease and, consequently, could ease the capacity of the patients to change body's position. Methods: Twenty out-patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (12 males, 8 females; mean age 72,9; H-Y, 1, 5-3) were enrolled in a rehabilitationprogramme which included exercises for the mobility of the trunk, of upper and lower limbs and of each segment of the spine, in order to improve the coordination of movement and to avoid postural disturbances. They received 1 hour of group treatment twice a week for a 5 week consecutive period. No changes were made in the pharmacological treatment received by each patient. The patients were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the rehabilitation training. The statistical evaluation was made using the Wilcoxon test. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in all the motor parameters that were evaluated (supine to sitting and sitting to supine, supine rolling, standing from a chair). Conclusions: The observations demonstrate that physical training can be effective in improving motor performance related to changes in position which affects the simple daily activities of the patients.