Effects of the Training BIGTM and Task specific concepts on turning over 180 degrees in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Background: Difficulty in turning is problematic for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is found to be associated with the risk of fall and hard to be remedial. Objective: To investigate the effects of physical therapy on turning over 180 degrees in patients with PD. Methods: Thirteen patients with PD were randomized into 2 groups which were the treatment (n=7) and the control (n=6) groups. All participants were assessed demographic data, severity by Modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale, and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale. At pre- and post-assessments, the participants were tested their turning characteristics over 180 degrees by using a gait mat synchronized with video camera. For the treatment group, they received physical therapy program. Both groups of participants continued their earlier medical treatment and having stable medical status. The treatment group received training for 3 times a week over 4 weeks. Turning step and turning time were compared between pre- and post- assessments in each group, and between the treatment and control groups. Results: Significant difference of turning step was found between pre- and post- assessments (p=0.041) in the treatment group. In addition, turning step was found to be significant difference between the treatment and the control groups (p=0.010) at post- assessment. For the turning time, no significant difference was found neither between pre- and post- assessments in each group nor between the treatment and the control groups. Conclusion: The present findings indicated that physical therapy would be beneficial to improve turning step in patients with PD.