Effect Of Specific Cardio-Respiratory Endurance Training With Conventional Physiotherapy On Quality Of Life Of Parkinson’s Patients

Abstract

Parkinsons disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease described as a movement disorder. As the disease progresses, motor symptoms present as resting tremors, bradykinesia or slow movements, rigidity, and / or postural instability. Cardio- respiratory endurance training is a non-drug treatment option that is a resource to complement functional rehabilitation and prevention. The purpose of the study was to determine if endurance exercise training intervention impacted functions for individuals with PD. The objective of the study is to find out the effect of cardio- respiratory endurance training with conventional physiotherapy on quality of life in Parkinsons patients.

MethodThis was an experimental study undertaken on 32 participants aged between 49 to 79 years . The participants were randomly divided into two groups (16 in each). The control group included 16 participants who received conventional physiotherapy exercises while in the experimental group the remaining 16 participants received cardiorespiratory endurance training with conventional physiotherapy exercises. The study was conducted for 6 months with sessions 4 times a week lasting for about 30 mins. Data was collected using the Fatigue Severity Scale and WHOQOL scale, and the cardiac variables like FEV1, FVC and their ratios were calculated.

Results: The forced vital capacity (FVC), the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) values increased significantly in the experimental group post physiotherapy intervention as compared to the control group. The cardiorespiratory variables like heart rate, blood pressure also showed good outcomes post intervention. The main outcome measure was World health organisation quality of life – Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) which showed satisfaction with general health, pain, energy, positive feelings, personal relationship and satisfaction with home are facets affected in the early stages of PD. Mobility, body image, sexual activity and access to information are affected in progression of the disease.Secondary outcome measure which is the fatigue severity scale (FSS) showed that the participants perceived higher level of fatigue hence they faced difficulties in completing their ADLs.

Conclusion – Endurance training has shown significant benefits in improving functional mobility and quality of life (QoL) for Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. We suggest integrating cardiorespiratory endurance training with conventional physical therapy and medical treatment to optimize outcomes.A restrictive pattern of pulmonary dysfunction is present in patients with PD, The notable impact of combining endurance training with conventional therapy in PD patients underscores its potential as a rehabilitation component.