Objective: To assess the effect of rehabilitation program based on exercises and Nordic Walking (NW) on respiratory function, range of chest mobility, pain and gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background: NW is used to improve motor functions and mobility in PD and may have potential to influence the respiratory function and pain.

Method: Ten patients with PD (severity: 2- 4 in Hoehn and Yahr Scale, 7 females and 3 males, age: 59-73 years) were tested before and after 8-week of NW training. The respiratory function was assessed by means of spirometer, with the flow-volume curve. The range of chest mobility was measured with a tape measure. Pain was assessed with King’s Parkinson’s Disease Pain Scale (KPPS). Gait was assessed on the treadmill and with Timed Up and Go, 10 m walk, 360⁰ turn and timed climbing the stairs. During the test on the treadmill, the patients walked for 1 minute with speed 2 km/h. The Nordic Walking program lasted 8 weeks, the sessions were twice a week in a park and lasted 1 hour.

Results: There were no significant changes in respiratory parameters, range of chest mobility, severity of pain and gait parameters obtained on the treadmill after NW training. We found significant improvement in all gait tests: Timed Up and Go  (p<0.01), 10 m walk (time: p<0.005, number of steps: p<0.01), 360⁰ turn (p<0.05) and climbing the stairs (p<0.035).

Conclusion: Gait improved after NW training in patients with PD. Respiratory function and severity of pain did not changed.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-effect-of-nordic-walking-on-respiratory-function-pain-and-gait-in-parkinsons-disease/