ObjectiveTo examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of Hatha yoga on oxidative stress, motor function, and non-motor symptoms among individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD).MethodsThe study has a pilot randomized controlled trial design with two arms: an immediate treatment group and a wait-list control group. The yoga-for-PD program was implemented via twice weekly 60-min group-based classes for 12 weeks. Participants were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 6 months post-intervention. Outcome measures included oxidative stress, motor function, physical activity, cognitive function, sleep quality, and quality of life. Data on program acceptability and yoga adherence were collected during the intervention and at 6 months post-intervention.ResultsParticipants (n = 20) had a mean age of 63 years (SD 8, range 49–75) and disease duration 4.8 years (SD 2.9, range 1–13). All participants had mild-moderate disease severity; 18 (90%) were on dopaminergic medications. Seventeen participants (85%) attended at least 75% of the classes and 4 (20%) attended all classes. Most participants (n = 17) reported they “definitely enjoyed” the intervention program. No adverse events were reported. At 12 weeks, there were no major differences in blood oxidative stress markers between the two groups. Motor function based on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale was better in the treatment group, but their scores on sleep and outlook in Parkinson’s Disease Quality of Life (PDQUALIF) Scale and the physical activity levels based on the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam Physical Activity Questionnaire were worse than those of the control group. In within-group comparisons, motor function, cognitive function, and catalase improved but three PDQUALIF domains (social and role function, sleep, and outlook) and physical activity level worsened by the end of the yoga intervention program compared to baseline. The response rate for the 6-month follow-up survey was 74% (n = 14) with six participants (43%) who signed up for a yoga class and four (29%) who practiced it independently. Health problems were the main barrier to yoga practice.ConclusionYoga is feasible and acceptable and may serve as a complementary method for improving motor function in PD. Further research using a larger sample size is needed to determine its impact on oxidative stress and non-motor symptoms.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT02509610031.

Caregivers are healthcare assets because they care for patients at home; however, when clinicians focus solely on patients, caregivers' needs may not be recognized. The purpose of this scoping literature review is to identify the burdens on caregivers of people with Parkinson's disease. CINAHL and PubMed databases were searched to locate thirteen original articles, one systematic review, and one meta-analysis within the last five years that highlighted caregivers' burdens. Results indicate the need to identify practical interventions that decrease caregivers' physical, psychological, and socioeconomic burdens. Correlates of Parkinson's caregiver burdens are not clearly available. Caregivers' contextual demographic information is missing, as is an understanding of how caregivers negotiate day-to-day caregiving activities. Gaps exist about how caregivers reconcile multiple medications and manage rehabilitation needs of the patient at home. A recommendation for practice is a systematic evaluation of the caregivers' capacity at the time of clinic visit.

Spasticity is a poorly understood phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to understand the effect of spasticity on daily life and identify bedside strategies that enhance patient's function and improve comfort. Spasticity and clonus result from an upper motor neuron lesion that disinhibits the tendon stretch reflex; however, they are differentiated in the fact that spasticity results in a velocity dependent tightness of muscle whereas clonus results in uncontrollable jerks of the muscle. Clinical strategies that address function and comfort are paramount. This is a secondary content analysis using a qualitative research design. Adults experiencing spasticity associated with neuromuscular disorder were asked to participate during inpatient acute rehabilitation. They were asked to complete a semistructured interview to explain and describe the nature of their experienced spasticity on daily basis. Spasticity affects activities of daily living, function, and mobility. Undertreated spasticity can lead to pain, immobility, and risk of falls. There were missed opportunities to adequately care for patients with spasticity. Bedside care strategies identified by patients with spasticity are outlined. Uses of alternative therapies in conjunction with medications are needed to better manage spasticity. Patient reports on spasticity are important and should be part of clinical evaluation and practice.

Spasticity is a neuromuscular dysfunction characterized by tight or stiff muscles. Spasticity occurs across the spectrum of upper motor neuron disease and complicates the course and quality of life of those affected. Accurate and precise assessment of spasticity is the first step in providing safe and effective treatments to patients for management of spasticity. Examiner evaluations (Ashworth Scale, Modified Ashworth, and Visual Analog Scale) and patient self-reports (Visual Analog Scale and Numeric Rating Scale) are used to assess spasticity in clinical practice. We reviewed the biology of spasticity and summarized research that assessed properties of scores obtained from clinical scales when used in a variety of upper motor neuron diseases. The definition of spasticity was inconsistent. Rater reliability or agreement on clinical scales varied widely. Correspondence with electromyogram results was mixed. There was dissimilarity in patient reports and examiner assessments. Scores from clinical scales are responsive (decrease after initiation of treatment with known effectiveness), but the utility of scores for indexing individual change associated with the natural history of upper motor neuron disease is unknown. Future research incorporating patient reports and examiner findings over time will help to clarify the definition and capture the essence of spasticity.

Spasticity as experienced is complex, involving a wide range of unusual sensations sensitive to stressors in everyday life. Clinical evaluation of spasticity should include patient reports. Knowledge about patient word choice used to describe spasticity can enhance communication with healthcare providers.