Effects of resistance training on postural control in Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Postural instability affects Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients’ postural control right from the early stages of the disease. The benefits of resistance training (RT) for balance and functional capacity have been described in the literature, but few studies have been conducted showing its effects on PD patients’ postural control. Objective: To investigate the effects of a three-month RT intervention on static posturography (SP) measurements and clinical functional balance assessment among PD patients. Methods: Seventy-four patients were randomly assigned to a three-month RT intervention consisting of using weightlifting machines at a gym (gym group) or RT consisting of using free weights and elastic bands (freew group), or to a control group. The participants were evaluated at baseline, three months and six months. We evaluated changes of SP measurements under eyes-open, eyes-closed and dual-task conditions (primary endpoint), along with motor performance and balance effects by means of clinical scales, dynamic posturography and perceptions of quality of life (secondary endpoints). Results: There were no significant interactions in SP measurements among the groups. Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) motor scores decreased in both RT groups (p<0.05). Better perceived quality of life for the mobility domain was reported in the gym group while functional balance scores improved in the freew group, which were maintained at the six-month follow-up (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study was not able to detect changes in SP measurements following a three-month RT intervention. Both RT groups of PD patients showed improved motor performance, with positive balance effects in the freew group and better perceived quality of life in the gym group.

Effectiveness of Progressive Resistance Training in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The PRT effects on gait performance in PD patients were mainly centred on gait velocity, stride length, TUG, and FOG-Q. The PRT effect on gait velocity was evaluated by seven studies [21-23, 26, 27, 31, 32], and the parameter “metres per second (m/s)” was set as the unified unit of measurement. Among them, moderate heterogeneity was scanned ( I 2 = 71%; heterogeneity p = 0.002; Fig.…”

“…The PRT effect on TUG was evaluated by five studies [21-23, 31, 32], and the parameter “second (s)” was set as the unified measurement unit. High heterogeneity was scanned ( I 2 = 92%; heterogeneity p = 0.0001; Fig.…”

“…The PRT effect on the Berg Balance Scale was evaluated by five studies [21, 23, 28, 29, 32]. High heterogeneity was scanned ( I 2 = 81%; heterogeneity p = 0.0003; Fig.…”

“…A total of 11 studies were excluded for the following: review (n = 2), letter (n = 2), duplicated data (n = 4), Eur Neurol 2023;86:25-33 DOI: 10.1159/000527029 and incomplete data (n = 3). A total of 14 publications [8,16,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] were ultimately eligible for final meta-analysis. No additional citations were found from the reviewed references.…”

How I treat Parkinson's disease

“…Many studies suggest that aerobic and high intensity exercises may attenuate PD symptoms 62 . Resistance training improves muscle strength, mobility, balance, functional capacity, QoL and reduces the risk of falls of PD patients 63 . Exercise may improve cognitive functions of PD patients at a mild to moderate stage of the disease 64 .…”