Objective: To estimate the influence of two weeks of PIR training performed by inpatients autonomously on their joints mobility and balance.

Background: One of the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is rigidity. There are numerous techniques for flexibility improving applied in clinical practice. Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) suggested a highly effective approach to physical therapy [1]. Meanwhile, it is not enough data of muscle self-stretch based on post-isometric relaxation (SSBPIR) in PD patients.

Method: Nine PD patients included in the study had mild to moderate disability and could walk unassisted. They performed SSBPIR training six days a week within two weeks. Basically, the training consisted of 10 exercises all of which included submaximal voluntary static tension for 10 seconds and subsequent 10-15 seconds of static stretching in major joints. All exercises were performed three times consecutively under the certified physical therapist supervision. To evaluate the impact of described above exercises we used the back-scratch and Chair Sit-and-Reach tests and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS).

Results: For the tenth session, all patients were able to do these exercises independently. The flexibility enhanced in all patients except one (62-years-old woman initially had a low level of mobility). Their levels (n=9) increased significantly (p<0.05) and were as follows: upper limb-left +9.2 cm (3.1-10.1), upper limb-right +8.9 cm (3.4-9.6), lower limb-left +2.8 cm (1.5-4.2), lower limb-right +3.0 cm (1.6-3.9). In contrast, we received no substantial improvement in patients` balance as changes in BBS scores were not significant (p=0.14).

Conclusion: Self-stretch based on post-isometric relaxation can be considered as an effective method for amelioration of joints mobility, although balance did not increase considerably after these training. The SSBPIR can be applied both inpatients and outpatients.

References: 1.Czaprowski D, et al. The influence of self-stretch based on post-isometric relaxation, static stretch combined with stabilization exercises and stabilization exercises only on hamstring, one-joint and two-joints hip flexors flexibility and finger-to-floor test results. Scoliosis. 2013;8 (Suppl 1): P1.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-effectiveness-of-two-weeks-self-stretch-based-on-post-isometric-relaxation-in-parkinsons-disease-patients/