Effects of a forced cycling program with cognitive stimulation on symptomatology, physical condition, and cognition in people diagnosed with Parkinson disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Parkinson disease may present difficulties in performing dual tasks. The use of dual tasks during training can improve different abilities. Therefore, the objective of this study is creating a protocol, based on standard protocol items recommendations for interventional trials compliant, for a clinical trial study conduct, review, reporting, and interpretation. This protocol will provide the framework and a guide to a randomized double-blind study, that will be conducted to assess the influence of a cycling exercise program combined with a cognitive task, on cognitive and physical Parkinson disease aspects.

METHODS

Designed a protocol for a double-blind randomized study, where participants will perform a dual tasks intervention with cycling and a cognitive task. The revised version of the unified Parkinson disease rating scale, the Parkinson disease questionnaire, the timed up and go Test, the 30 seconds chair sit to stand test, the Stroop and the trail making test will be used to measure outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Research in Parkinson disease suggests that an improvement of motor and cognitive functions of Parkinson disease patients can be achieved by modifying different motor and cognitive pathways. The results of the present study will yield findings on both the physical and cognitive response to an intervention that combines a cognitive task with a motor task in Parkinson disease patients and will be essential tool for a better conducting of the clinical trial study.

Muscle strength training program in nonagenarians - a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The study aims to improve the functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) of nonagenarian women by implementing an individualized muscle strength training program in a geriatric residential care home.

STUDY DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Twenty-six elderly women were randomized into a control group (CG) and an intervention group (SG). The SG carried out a strength program with TheraBands® for 12 weeks, with two weekly sessions. The assessment tools that we used pre- and post-intervention were the Barthel index of daily living activities, the five times sit-to-stand test (FTSTS) and timed up and go (TUG) test with wiva® sensors.

RESULTS

The SG maintained the Barthel index scores for activities of daily living and improved in the FTSTS; the CG showed a significant decrease on both tests. The dynamic balance test showed significant differences between groups for the variables sit to stand, peak angular velocity, anterior-posterior range, turning, stand to sit, total time, and speed.

CONCLUSIONS

Individualized muscle strength training programs may help promote healthy lifestyles in such populations by maintaining autonomy, improving function and balance.

The effects of different types of physical exercise on physical and cognitive function in frail institutionalized older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The continuous increase in the life expectancy of older adults (elderly people) has generated interest in research into frail-aged people and their physical and mental well-being.

OBJECTIVES

To verify the different effects of two programs of physical exercise (strength training-TG, and callisthenic training-MG) on the cognitive state, functionality, stability and general health of frail-aged institutionalized older adults.

DESIGN

This study was a block randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

The study was conducted in geriatric units of the San Rosendo Foundation.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 77 institutionalized frail-aged people (70.1% female, aged 84.8±7.9) took part.

INTERVENTIONS

The TG carried out a strength program with therabands®; The MG performed an exercise program of multi-callisthenics, and the CG did not carry out any physical exercise.

MEASUREMENTS

The following measurements were used: Minimental test, Pfeiffer test, SF-12, Barthel test, Five times sit-to-stand and a pressure platform.

RESULTS

The TG program generated some improvement in cognitive state and functional independence, while in the physical and mental component of the S-12, significant improvement was generated. The program undertaken by MG demonstrated a tendency to the stabilization of the above mentioned parameters, while the GC demonstrated a tendency to deterioration.

CONCLUSION

Physical exercise, whether it be the strength program, or the multi-calisthenics program, is an effective method for improving and maintaining health, cognitive state, functional independence and stability in frail-aged institutionalized people.

Feasibility and Efficacy of Mat Pilates on People with Mild-to-Moderate Parkinson's Disease: A Preliminary Study

This pilot study aimed at assessing the feasibility and efficacy of a Mat Pilates program in people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease (PD). The participants carried out a Mat Pilates program twice a week for 12 weeks. The Senior Fitness Test battery and the 39-item PD Questionnaire were used to assess the effects of the program on the participants' fitness level and quality of life. A total of 16 patients with mild-to-moderate PD volunteered for and finished the study. The Mat Pilates program proved to be feasible. Adherence to the program was excellent, and no adverse effects were observed. The program had a positive effect on the participants' fitness levels, except for shoulder range of motion and dynamic balance, and on their quality of life. Assessments at follow-up indicated a regression in the improvements obtained by the end of the intervention, even though the sample still showed higher levels of fitness and quality of life than those tested at baseline. Mat Pilates is feasible and may be a beneficial rehabilitation strategy to improve fitness and quality of life in people with mild-to-moderate PD. Future randomized controlled trials might determine the extent of such benefits.