Resistance training in Parkinson's disease: a longitudinal study

Aim. The objective of this study was to verify the effect of micro-loads and elastic bands exercise program in a group of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods. Twenty-one people with PD, participated in this study. All participants were able to walk unassisted, and their disability score using the Hoehn & Yahr scale was 2±0,5. Subjects were randomly assigned to micro-loads group (11 subjects, age 69±10 years; weight 72±12 kg, height 171±7 cm) or to elastic band group (9 subjects, age 70±11 years; weight 69±15 kg and high 169±9 cm). Both groups performed two sessions of physical activity per week during a period of 5 months. Subjects were evaluated on flexibility with sit and reach test; the body balance with stabilometric platform, useful to evaluate the center of pressure (COP); the Spinal Mouse® to assess the column shape and the sit to stand test to measure the strength performance of lower limbs. Tests were three times during the training period: after the first and the third month of physical activity and at the end of the training period. Results: Data showed a statistically significant variation in the sit to stand test in the EG group (T0 vs T2; Anova, p<0.001, post hoc, p <0.01, +19%). Conclusion. Both micro-loads and elastic band exercises were well-tolerated. Elastic bands exercises produced a significant improvement in the lower limbs muscles performance.