Article

Highly challenging exercises have been suggested to induce
neuroplasticity in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, its effect
on clinical outcomes remains largely unknown.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
short-term effects of the HiBalance program, a highly challenging
balance-training regimen that incorporates both dual-tasking and PD-specific
balance components, compared with usual care in elderly with mild to moderate PD.
METHODS: Participants with PD (n = 100) were randomized, either to the 10-week
HiBalance program (n = 51) or to the control group (n = 49). Participants were
evaluated before and after the intervention. The main outcomes were balance
performance (Mini-BESTest), gait velocity (during normal and dual-task gait), and
concerns about falling (Falls Efficacy Scale-International). Performance of a
cognitive task while walking, physical activity level (average steps per day),
and activities of daily living were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 91
participants completed the study. After the intervention, the between group
comparison showed significantly improved balance and gait performance in the
training group. Moreover, although no significant between group difference was
observed regarding gait performance during dual-tasking; the participants in the
training group improved their performance of the cognitive task while walking, as
compared with the control group. Regarding physical activity levels and
activities of daily living, in comparison to the control group, favorable results
were found for the training group. No group differences were found for concerns
about falling. CONCLUSIONS: The HiBalance program significantly benefited balance
and gait abilities when compared with usual care and showed promising transfer
effects to everyday living. Long-term follow-up assessments will further explore
these effects.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS