Velocity-Based Training Effects on Functional Performance and Power Across Multiple Time Points in Parkinson Disease

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Parkinson disease (PD) impacts functional performance and neuromuscular capabilities.
• Velocity-based training (VBT) is a resistance training method adapting progressions based on movement velocity.
• The optimal duration of VBT for PD patients remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a 12-week VBT program on functional performance and neuromuscular power in individuals with PD.
• To determine the time course of these improvements throughout the training period.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen patients with PD participated in a 12-week VBT program using leg press exercises with 10% and 30% velocity thresholds.
• Assessments included leg press peak power (LP-PP), 5 times sit-to-stand (5xSTS), and 10-meter walk tests (10MWT) at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12.
• Repeated-measures ANOVAs analyzed changes in performance metrics over time.

Main Results:

• Significant time effects demonstrated increases in LP-PP from week 1 to week 12.
• Substantial improvements were observed in 5xSTS and 10MWT-M (maximum gait speed) between weeks 1 and 8, and these gains were sustained.
• Significant improvements in 5xSTS and 10MWT-M were evident from week 1 through week 12, with notable gains between weeks 4 and 12.

Conclusions:

• A minimum of 8 weeks of VBT is required to achieve significant functional and neuromuscular performance improvements in PD patients.
• The observed benefits of VBT in PD patients are maintained throughout the 12-week training duration.
• VBT represents a viable training modality for enhancing performance in individuals with Parkinson disease.