Study of the Effects of Three Exercise Programs in Parkinson's Disease

Introduction: Population aging is associated with increased prevalence of chronic diseases. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world population, affecting motor function and functional independence progressively. The physiological aging promotes the gradual reduction of body weight, lung function, peripheral muscle strength, cardiopulmonary endurance and physical capacity, which increase the debilitating effects. Aging, when associated with PD, can induce loss of functionality, postural changes, further affecting the nutritional status, worsening the quality of life and functional independence of the individual. Although physical therapy is commonly applied with a variety of methodologies to PD patients, evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions is lacking.

Objective: The primary objective of the study is to compare the effects of Functional Training, Stationary Bike and Exergaming Exercises on proportion of fallers in elderly participants with PD. In addition, the secondary objectives are to compare the effects on cardiopulmonary endurance, posture, postural control, executive function, quality of life and functionality of individuals with PD.

Methodology: This is an interventional, randomized, blinded, longitudinal and prospective study. This research will be conducted in the State Reference Center for Health Care of the Elderly (CREASI). The sample will consist of 63 individuals with PD per group. The Experimental Group 1 will be submitted to Functional Training, the Experimental Group 2 with undergo training with Stationary Bike and the Experimental Group 3 will be submitted to exergame training using Xbox360 with KinectTM sensor. All the interventions will be performed three times per week, with 50 minutes per session, during 8 weeks.

The original study goal was to recruit 210 subjects based on the assumption of a fall risk of 70% in the Bicycle group and 40% in either Exergaming or Functional Training groups, with 80% power and alpha=0.05.

GROUPS:

G1-Functional Training

The intensity was increased by progressive resistance with dumbbells, ankle weights, elastic bands and manual resistance.

1. Gait with obstacles: To perform this exercise hula hoops, rubber cones, plastic sticks, wood steps and mattresses were used.
2. Up and down stairs and ramp: The participant went up and down 3 steps and 1 ramp until completing 3 minutes.
3. Sitting and standing exercises: To increase the difficulty level were used manual resistance, dumbbell and unstable bases (swiss ball).
4. Side gear and shin guards: The participant performed side gait according to the physical therapist's commands.
5. Balance exercise: The participant performed balance exercises in proprioceptive platforms: balance discs, jumping beds proprioceptive tables.
6. Activities with ball: Kicking balls of different sizes and weights, alternating each foot.
7. Step exercises: Going up and down steps with the right or left foot according to cognitive commands of the physical therapist.
8. Foot tip exercises: The participant performed the exercise on flat and sloped surface with one or two feet maintaining sural triceps contraction for 5 seconds.
9. Graded reaching exercises: The exercise was performed standing and sitting. Dual task activities were performed.
10. Gait training: The participant walked around the gym following verbal commands to stop and change direction. Gait reeducation consisted of working scapular and pelvic girdle dissociation.

G2-Bicycle

Aerobic training on a stationary bicycle: The training intensity was 50% of maximum heart rate (adjusted for age - Karvonen formula) in the first week, increasing gradually to 75% in the eighth week.

First week: 50% of maximum heart rate. Second and Third weeks: 55% of maximum heart rate. Fourth and Fifth weeks: 65% of maximum heart rate. Sixth and Seventh weeks: 70% of maximum heart rate. Eighth week: 75% of maximum heart rate. The intensity was increased progressively by bike endurance (resistance) and speed.

G3-Exergaming

Physical components involved in Exergames (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy): strength and muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, postural balance, executive function and emotional demands.

The participants did not use weights to perform the exercises in the Exergame Group. A physical therapist guided the participants to explore the correct posture and the articular range of motion using both tactile and assistive stimulus and/or verbal command during the games. Each mini-game lasts about 3-minutes, and to complete 30-minutes training, the same one or two mini-games were repeated in different levels of intensity and speed in each session. Mini-games of Kinect Advenctures! game:

* River Rush: One or two players must control the raft using their body, moving from side to side, and jumping in front of the Kinect sensor. Players must work as a team to earn as many points as possible.
* Reflex Ridge: One or two players can move freely on platforms (rollercoaster-like tracks), allowing them to dodge left and right, duck and jump over hazards as they spring forward. Jumping in place makes the platform move faster along its rail.
* 20,000 Leaks: The characters are positioned in a rectangular glass tank underwater, and each of the tank's four walls can crack and begin to leak water at any time. One or two players stand in front of the Kinect sensor and use their arms and legs - or any other body parts - to stop leaking water.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Regular use of medication for PD;
* Age greater than or equal to 60 years;
* Stage 2, 2.5 or 3 according to the modified Hoehn and Yahr classification;
* Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* neurodegenerative diseases other than Parkinson disease; dementia; muscle diseases that preclude the practice of physical activity; chronic uncontrolled disease (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic pain); unstable cardiovascular disease (acute heart failure, myocardial recent infarction, unstable angina and uncontrolled arrhythmia); using alcohol and other toxic substances; contraindications for performing exercise according the criteria of the American College of Sports Medicine; to practice or have practiced physical exercise program in the last six months; to participate or have participated in regular resistance training (eg, 2-3 times per week) in the previous 12 months.