Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
09:19
Community-based Adapted Tango Dancing for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease and Older Adults
Published on: December 9, 2014
Exercise programs improve mobility and balance in people with Parkinson's disease
Lilian T B Gobbi1, Maria D T Oliveira-Ferreira, M Joana D Caetano
1Posture and Gait Studies Lab, UNESP - São Paulo State University at Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil. lilian.gobbi@pq.cnpq.br
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders
|January 20, 2010
Summary
Both intensive and adaptive exercise programs significantly improved balance and mobility in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Exercise interventions are effective for enhancing motor function in individuals with PD, regardless of program intensity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
- Gerontology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) significantly impacts balance and mobility.
- Existing literature supports exercise as an effective intervention for PD-related motor deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of two distinct exercise programs on balance and mobility in idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients.
- To compare the outcomes of an intensive versus an adaptive exercise program.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-four participants with idiopathic PD (Hoehn & Yahr Stages I-III) were divided into two groups.
- Group 1: Intensive program (72 sessions over 6 months). Group 2: Adaptive program (24 sessions over 6 months).
- Balance and mobility assessed using Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Both exercise programs demonstrated significant improvements in balance and mobility from pre- to post-test.
- No statistically significant differences were found between the intensive and adaptive exercise groups regarding mobility or balance outcomes.
- Participants in both groups showed enhanced motor function after the 6-month intervention period.
Conclusions:
- Both intensive and adaptive exercise regimens are effective in improving balance and mobility in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
- The frequency and intensity of exercise programs may not be a critical factor in achieving significant motor improvements in PD patients.
- Exercise interventions offer a viable strategy for managing motor symptoms and improving quality of life in Parkinson's disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is to...
01:24Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by motor symptoms such as resting tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. Patients may notice hand tremors at rest, stiffness during movement, or a shuffling gait. In addition to motor features, non-motor symptoms include sleep disturbances, mood and behavioral changes, constipation, and cognitive impairment, all of which...
01:24Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement, with additional non-motor features. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and cellular dysfunction, including dopaminergic neuron loss, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial impairment.Selective NeurodegenerationA key feature is the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to reduced...