Community-based group exercise for persons with Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Exercise Science
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor control.
• Exercise interventions are crucial for managing PD symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Community-based group exercise programs offer accessible rehabilitation options for individuals with PD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of group boxing training versus traditional group exercise on functional outcomes and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson disease.
• To evaluate changes in balance, balance confidence, mobility, gait velocity, gait endurance, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 31 adults with Parkinson disease (PD).
• Participants were assigned to either a 12-week group boxing training program or a traditional group exercise program (24-36 sessions, 90 minutes each).
• Outcome measures assessed pre- and post-intervention included balance, balance confidence, mobility, gait velocity, gait endurance, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in balance, mobility, and quality of life (large within-group effect sizes).
• The traditional exercise group had significantly greater gains in balance confidence compared to the boxing group (p < 0.025).
• The boxing group demonstrated significant improvements in gait velocity and endurance, with a medium effect size for gait endurance (d = 0.65).

Conclusions:

• Both group boxing and traditional exercise are beneficial for individuals with Parkinson disease, improving key functional measures.
• Boxing training may offer specific advantages for gait velocity and endurance in PD.
• Future considerations for rehabilitation professionals should include supporting diverse community-based group exercise options for PD management.