Category: Parkinson’s Disease: Clinical Trials
Objective: The current study examines the effectiveness and feasibility of sport climbing in PD patients in a single-centre, randomised controlled, semi-blind trial.
Background: Physical activity is of prime importance in non-pharmacological Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment.
Method: The current study examines the effectiveness and feasibility of sport climbing in PD patients in a single-centre, randomised controlled, semi-blind trial. A total of 48 PD patients without experience in climbing (average age 64 ±8 years, Hoehn & Yahr stage 2-3) was assigned to either participate in a 12-week sport climbing course (SC) or to attend an unsupervised physical training group (UT). The primary outcome was the improvement of symptoms on the Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III (MDS-UPDRS-III).
Results: Sport climbing was associated with a significant reduction of the MDS-UPDRS-III (-12.9 points; 95% CI -15.9 to -9.8), while no significant improvement was to be found in the UT (-3.0 points; 95% CI -6.0 to 0.1). Bradykinesia, rigidity and tremor subscales significantly improved in SC, but not in the unsupervised control group. In terms of feasibility the study showed a 99% adherence of participants to climbing sessions and a drop-out rate of only 4%. No adverse events occurred.
Conclusion: This trial provides class III evidence that sport climbing is highly effective and feasible in mild to moderately affected PD patients.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
A. Langer, H. Zach, S. Hasenauer, A. Flotz, L. Gassner, R. Pokan, P. Dabnichki, L. Wizany, D. Roth, S. Zimmel, M. Treven, M. Schmoeger, U. Willinger, W. Maetzler. Climb up! Head up! Effectiveness and feasibility of sport climbing in Parkinson’s disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2021; 36 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/climb-up-head-up-effectiveness-and-feasibility-of-sport-climbing-in-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed September 7, 2024.« Back to MDS Virtual Congress 2021
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/climb-up-head-up-effectiveness-and-feasibility-of-sport-climbing-in-parkinsons-disease/