J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2006 Dec;13(3):390-400.

The Development and Effect of a Tailored Exercise Program on Physical Fitness in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

• Sohng KY
• Moon JS
• Lee KS
• Choi DW

Abstract

PURPOSE: To develop & to examine the effect of a Tailored Exercise Program (TEP) on physical fitness in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHOD: In a two-group pre-and post-test design, from a total 41 participants. 21 were assigned th the experimental group and the remainder to the control group. The experimental group participated in a 4-day a week, 8 week program in which one session a week was by direct instruction with the self-help group and two sessions a week were by videotaped instruction at home by themselves. The control group did not receive any intervention.
RESULTS
The eight week TEP in patients with PD was found to be significantly effective in enhancing muscle strength, ankle flexibility, and balance. However instrumental activities of daily living was not changed by the intervention.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that TEP can have an effect on physical fitness in patients with PD. Further research with a larger sample and for a longer follow up period is needed to expand our understanding of the effects of TEP for patients with PD.

Keyword

Parkinson's disease; Exercise; Physical fitness

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Ankle
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Muscle Strength
Parkinson Disease*
Physical Fitness*
Pliability
Self-Help Groups