Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week program in a rehabilitation center for reconditioning and exercise on balance, walking and upper limb bradykinesia in Parkinson’s patients.

Background: The positive effects of physical activity in Parkinson’s disease are no longer to be demonstrated: on aspects of daily life with the reduction of the risk of falling (Protas 2005) and the improvement of cognitive functions (Tabak 2013) but also on physiopathological aspects by promoting neuroplasticity (Petzinger 2013) and the synthesis of dopamine (Fisher 2013), a neurotransmitter deficiency in this disease. This improves the quality of life (Cascaes da Silva 2016, Baatile 2000). Thus, rehabilitation programmes must be set up in the centers to teach patients to be active on a daily life.

Method: Observational, prospective, monocentric study, cohort follow-up of Parkinson’s patients or related patients over 2 years consisting of the implementation of a rehabilitation program in groups of 4 to 6 people for 4 weeks in ON at a rate of 3 days/week based on physical rehabilitation , global and analytical muscle strengthening of extensors, work on balance and double task, setting in ecological situations and motor imaging work.

Results: 113 patients participated, average age was 67.9 years (min 44 years, max 83 years), average diagnostic time 8.4 years (SD 5.2), Hoehn and Yahr 2.6 (SD 0.6), UPDRS II+III 24.8 (SD 9.4). Statistically significant differences were observed across all clinical balance and walking tests (Time Up and Go p=0.04, Time to test 10m at comfortable speed p=0.02 and fast p=0.03, distance covered in 2 minutes p=0.0004 and in 6 minutes p<0.0001). The results are also statistically significant on global and fine grips outside the Nine Hole Peg test on the left.

Conclusion: This study in a rehabilitation centre therefore shows not only the feasibility of setting up a standardised group rehabilitation programme but also its immediate effectiveness. Work is still in progress to offer patients innovative self-rehabilitation tools in order to hope for the persistence of a long-term benefit by maintaining physical activity adapted to these pathologies in order to maintain the best possible autonomy and quality of life for as long as possible.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/prospective-observational-study-to-follow-up-a-cohort-of-parkinsons-outpatients-during-a-4-week-rehabilitation/