Four-week trunk-specific exercise program decreases forward trunk flexion in Parkinson's disease: A single-blinded,...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Movement Disorders

Background:

• Pathological forward trunk flexion is a common, disabling motor complication in Parkinson's disease (PD).
• This condition leads to imbalance, pain, and increased fall risk, often proving refractory to drug treatments.
• Early and multidisciplinary management is crucial for potentially reversible trunk flexion deformities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a four-week trunk-specific rehabilitation program on forward trunk flexion severity in Parkinson's disease patients.
• To assess the program's impact on secondary outcomes, including motor impairments, balance, pain, falls, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• 37 patients with PD and forward trunk flexion were randomized into an experimental (n=19) or control group (n=18).
• The experimental group underwent active self-correction, trunk stabilization, and functional tasks.
• The control group received standard physical therapy. Both groups trained for 4 weeks, 5 days/week.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed a significantly greater reduction in forward trunk flexion compared to the control group.
• Significant improvements in dynamic and static balance were observed in the experimental group.
• Pre-treatment trunk flexion severity strongly correlated with post-treatment changes, indicating potential for targeted intervention.

Conclusions:

• A four-week trunk-specific rehabilitation program effectively decreased forward trunk flexion severity in Parkinson's disease patients.
• The training program also enhanced postural control, including dynamic and static balance.
• This rehabilitation approach represents a valuable non-pharmacological strategy for managing trunk deformities in PD.