The Effects of Home Exercise Program on Balance and Functional Capacity in Parkinsonian Patients

Objective: The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of home exercise program on balance, postural control, coordination and functional strengthening in parkinsonian patients. Methods: The study was consisted of idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients, who were not given any exercise training previously. The program including stretching, strengthening, coordination and balance exercises was structured according to the severity of disease. The patients were taught the exercises by a physiotherapist and in addition, were given an illustrated annotated leaflet for home program. Patients were asked to perform the exercises 2 times a day, with 10 times repetitions, for 12 weeks. The static and dynamic balance capacities (Berg Balance Scale-BBS, functional reach test), timed performance capacity (timed up&go test, sit to stand test) of the patients were evaluated before the exercise training. The stage of the disease was evaluated using Modified Hoehn-Yahr Parkinson's Disease Staging, also the severity of the disease was assessed using the United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score and the activities of daily living were measured using the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale. All assessments were repeated following the 12-week exercise program. Results: The mean age of the parkinsonian patients, who completed the exercise program, was 68.34 +/- 8.92 year (51-88) and the mean duration of disease was 4.94 +/- 4.25 (1-20) year. A significant increase in the scores of BBS, functional reach test (both forward and backward), and a significant decrease in the score of single timed chair-rise test were observed following the home exercise program. A significant improvement was observed in the scores of the Schwab England Activities of Daily Living Scale (p<0.05). Conclusion: Home exercises enhance the balance abilities and provide improvement on activities of daily living of Parkinson's disease patients. Therefore, besides the medical treatment, exercise programs should be included in the treatment of Parkinson's patients. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2010; 47: 53-7)