People with PD exhibit less axial range of motion and isometric and isoinertial ability compared with persons without PD. There is a loss of the ability to extend the trunk early in the disease. These findings suggest the importance of further investigation into the role of strengthening programs soon after a diagnosis of PD in order to potentially delay changes in trunk function and subsequent functional difficulties.
The effects of 12 weeks of twice-weekly aerobic exercise were investigated in a group of 13 persons with early Parkinson's disease (PD), compared with 13 nonexercising parkinsonians. Pertinent relationships between variables were also examined. Exercise class participation increased cardiorespiratory fitness and habitual activity level and marginally improved mood. No change was noted regarding severity of parkinsonian signs. Functional ability remained stable in the exercise group, but decreased in the control group. Results indicate that participation in an aerobic exercise program can result in gains in cardiorespiratory fitness and habitual activity levels, improving mood while maintaining functional ability; these benefits can be gained without worsening the neurologic signs of persons with early PD. Greater cardiorespiratory fitness was shown to be correlated with greater functional activity and ability. Such relationships highlight the importance of minimizing the signs of the disease and maintaining functional activity as a preliminary step to minimizing the cardiorespiratory complications common to PD.
Purpose: Clinical experience has suggested differences in motor development between infants nursed prone, and those nursed supine. This pilot study investigated possible associations between wakeful infant positioning and motor control. Method: Twenty-six infants were examined. Wakeful positional experience was recorded by log book. When the infants were aged between 14 and 18 weeks, motor control was measured using five items from the Movement Assessment of Infants. Results: Analyses revealed associations between age and time spent in stimulating circumstances, and some motor scores, but not an association between time spent in prone and supine positions and motor skills in those positions. Conclusion: Time spent in positions involving greater stimulation from, and closer interaction with, caregivers may be beneficial to motor development in early infancy.
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