Effect of Structured Exercise for the Rehabilitation of Patients With Chronic Parkinson's Disease

Introduction Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that gradually affects movement, balance, and independence in daily activities. While medication remains the primary form of treatment, it often does not fully address functional limitations or postural instability. In recent years, structured exercise has gained importance as a supportive rehabilitation approach due to its potential to enhance motor function and promote neural adaptability. This study was designed to assess the effect of a structured exercise program on functional mobility, balance, and disease severity in individuals with chronic Parkinson's disease. Methods A pre-post experimental study was conducted in the Neurosciences Outpatient Department (OPD) at Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Karad. A total of 20 individuals diagnosed with chronic Parkinson's disease, aged between 50 and 70 years and classified within Hoehn and Yahr stages II-V, were recruited through consecutive sampling. The participants underwent a structured exercise program for six weeks, five days per week, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Outcomes were assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Hoehn and Yahr staging before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Following the intervention, significant improvements were observed across all measured outcomes. Functional mobility improved, with TUG scores decreasing from 18.6 ± 3.2 seconds to 14.2 ± 2.8 seconds (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 1.75). Balance showed notable enhancement, with BBS scores increasing from 34.5 ± 5.1 to 42.8 ± 4.7 (p < 0.001; d = 1.83). Disease severity reduced significantly, with Hoehn and Yahr stages decreasing from 3 (IQR: 3-4) to 2 (IQR: 2-3) (p < 0.001). Conclusion A six-week structured exercise program resulted in meaningful improvements in mobility, balance, and disease severity in individuals with chronic Parkinson's disease. These findings support the inclusion of structured exercise as an effective, low-cost, and clinically valuable component of Parkinson's disease rehabilitation to improve functional outcomes and the overall quality of life.