Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of mechanoacoustic vibration therapy on mobility, bone mineral density (BMD), and postural instability in perimenopause  women with HD.

Background: Osteoporosis, a prevalent age-related health concern among elderly individuals, particularly post-menopausal women, is often associated with aging and estrogen deficiency. Neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington ‘s can exacerbate bone loss in osteoporotic patients. Prevention is considered the best strategy against osteoporosis, emphasizing measures to mitigate its onset or progression in Huntington’s disease (HD)patients.

Method: Sixty-four perimenopause women diagnosed with idiopathic HD in stages 2 or 3 of the Hoehn Yahr staging were enrolled. Of these, 41 patients underwent a 6-month exercise program combined with personalized drug therapy and mechanoacoustic vibration therapy (two sessions per week, 15 minutes each), while the remaining 23 received only drug therapy. Assessment included evaluations using the Unified HD Rating Scale (UPDRS), Berg Balance Test, Dynamic Gait Index, Falls Efficacy Scale, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), isokinetic machine evaluation, Tinetti scale, and ECOS-16 questionnaire.

Results: Mechanoacoustic vibration therapy significantly improved BMD, T-score at the lumbar spine and femoral neck, handgrip strength, knee extensor isokinetic strength, balance, gait, and quality of life in HD patients (p < 0.05). After 24 training sessions, the total walking distance on the mechanoacoustic therapy machine increased significantly from 368.45 +/- 104.14 m to 1143.36 +/- 283.1 m (p < 0.05). Additionally, scores on the Berg Balance Test, Dynamic Gait Index, and Falls Efficacy Scale improved significantly in the training group compared to the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Combined treatment with focused mechanoacoustic vibration and pharmacological therapy has a positive impact on muscle strength and quality of life in HD patients. Mechanoacoustic therapy training may enhance mobility, reduce postural instability, and alleviate fear of falling in this population.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/exploring-the-impact-of-mechanoacoustic-vibration-therapy-on-mobility-bone-density-and-postural-stability-in-perimenopause-women-with-huntingtons-disease/