Exercise Therapy for a Patient With Parkinson Disease and Back Pain: A Case Report

The purpose of this report is to describe an exercise intervention for an elderly patient with Parkinson disease with a chief complaint of lower back pain.

The patient was an 85-year-old man who had been diagnosed with Parkinson disease and kyphosis. Back pain was preventing him from carrying out activities of daily living. He was referred for physical therapy for treatment to reduce lower back pain and increase function. An initial examination consisted of testing flexibility and range of motion and administering a pain severity scale and a Lower Extremity Functional Index (LEFI); the patient's initial LEFI score was 14/80.

Clinical observation was made during each of the patient's physical therapy sessions. After 5 weeks, the patient's LEFI score improved to 30/80. The patient reported that he had no more reoccurring back pain, was able to move much easier, and was able walk more efficiently and with better posture.

The patient in this case responded positively to a 5-week course of physical therapy that included exercise therapy. His back pain diminished and his function increased after the course of care.