Objective: Report preliminary one-year benefits of ongoing research-based community group exercise programs integrated with 6-month therapy coaching for people of varying disease severity (to date, N = 126).

Background: Progressive aerobic training and skill acquisition have emerged as forms of practice for people with PD that are capable of not only improving function, but of mediating brain health and repair mechanisms. Translating neuroplasticity-principled research protocols into real world models effectively is a challenge and will require new healthcare paradigms. The Parkinson Wellness Recovery Gym (PWR!Gym®) offers integrated therapies with ongoing specialty group classes for people with Parkinson disease of varying severity in a community center.

Methods: All participants were provided an initial consult with a PD-specialized physical therapist to determine the class that would best meet their fitness, cognitive, and mobility goals. Measurements were collected at initial intake and at ~6 month intervals thereafter. All classes met for 1-hour 2-3x/week and targeted 30’ of progressive aerobic training plus 30’ of functional amplitude-focused training program called PWR!Moves®. Intensity of practice (physical/attentional effort) was high across groups. Complexity of training (cognitive effort) varied across groups from high (HIIT, N=32); High-moderate (Circuit, N=46); Moderate (Moves 3, N=26); to least (Moves 1-2, N=22).

Results: HIIT, Circuit, and Moves 3 maintained or improved function and endurance from baseline to 1 year for most assessments (timed stand to floor and back, 5x sit to stand, gait speed self-selected and fast/safe, TUG self-selected and TUG cognitive; 6 MWT, 3-meter backward walking). Moves 1 and 2 show decreased performance from baseline to one year and this was consistent with greater cognitive or mobility challenges.

Conclusions: We propose that the unique environment, coaching, psychosocial support, education, and access to PD specialized therapists, exercise and wellness programming is essential for individuals with Parkinson disease, healthcare, and research. This model offers an infrastructure for multisite research to demonstrate disease modification and healthcare utilization. 

Previously presented at APTA IV Step Conference (7/17/16) and the 4^th World Parkinson Congress (9/23/17)

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/a-model-community-neurofitness-and-wellness-center-for-people-with-parkinson-disease-1-year-group-pilot-data/