A randomized, controlled trial of a multi-modal exercise intervention in Huntington’s disease

Abstract

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN11392629.

A Classification System to Guide Physical Therapy Management in Huntington Disease: A Case Series

“…Studies in HD animal models suggest that exercise improves motor function, 6 delays the progression of cognitive dysfunction, 6 and provides neuroprotection in the form of delayed disease onset. 7,8 In recent years, several small scale feasibility studies have investigated the effects of exercise and physical therapy in HD [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] with improvements observed in dynamic balance, 9,1010,11 gait speed, function and level of physical activity, 10,14 fitness, 13 cognitive function, 16 neuroplasticity, 16 and self-reported quality of life measures. 11,12 These studies included early to mid-stage participants, and although they demonstrated proof-of-concept, were underpowered to establish efficacy.…”

From Disease to Health: Physical Therapy Health Promotion Practices for Secondary Prevention in Adult and Pediatric Neurologic Populations

“…Resistance exercises should be performed for each of the major muscle groups 2-3 days per week; neuromotor exercise involving balance, agility, coordination, and flexibility exercises of each the major muscle–tendon groups (a total of 60 s per exercise) should be performed 2 days per week. While there are no specific guidelines for individuals with neurologic conditions, the evidence in support of aerobic 10,13,15,30–34 and strengthening 8,35,36 exercises in these populations suggests that these recommendations can and should be applied to patients with neurological conditions.…”

“…Exercise research in dementias 16,15 , Parkinson disease 21 , multiple sclerosis 10 , Alzheimer disease 14 , mild cognitive impairment 46 and Huntington disease 12,13 has received considerable attention and yielded positive outcomes in terms of motor symptoms, behavior and quality of life. Importantly, exercise appears to have significant impact on cognitive function as well.…”

Effects of multidisciplinary therapy on physical function in Huntington's disease

“…5 There are no proven neuroprotective agents for HD and although symptomatic therapies exist, impairments in physical function continue to develop and worsen as the disease progresses. 6 In recent years, a number of studies have emerged detailing the positive effects of either physical therapy [7][8][9][10][11] or cognitive training 12 for patients with HD. The effects of multidisciplinary therapy interventions, encompassing both physical and cognitive therapy, have been less well studied in patients with HD.…”