Trunk Exercises Improve Balance in Parkinson Disease: A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Physical Therapy
• Movement Science

Background:

• Trunk control is crucial for balance, and its deficiency is common in Parkinson disease (PD).
• Current pharmacological treatments offer limited improvement for trunk control deficits in PD.
• This highlights the need for alternative therapeutic strategies for balance improvement in PD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a 12-week trunk-specific exercise intervention on balance in individuals with Parkinson disease.
• To assess changes in motor symptoms, balance confidence, mobility, quality of life, and quiet-standing balance.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 24 participants with PD and a history of falls.
• Participants were allocated to either a 12-week exercise program or an education control group.
• Assessments were conducted at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The exercise group showed a significant reduction in sway area during quiet standing on foam without vision at both 12 and 24 weeks.
• Medial-lateral sway variability was also significantly reduced in the exercise group at 12 and 24 weeks.
• No significant changes in quiet standing balance were observed in the education group.

Conclusions:

• Exercise interventions targeting trunk strength, endurance, and mobility show promise for enhancing quiet-standing balance in Parkinson disease.
• Further research is required to ascertain if these balance improvements translate to a reduced risk of falls in PD patients.