Changes in motor performance in persons with Parkinson's disease after exercise in a mountain area

J Neurosci Nurs. 1997 Aug;29(4):255-60. doi: 10.1097/01376517-199708000-00007.

Abstract

For one week in autumn, over a period of three consecutive years, a total of 12 persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) participated in daily walks of about 4 kilometers in a mountain area in Sweden in order to train rhythm, balance and coordination on the soft heaths. These persons were 60-78 years of age and had been found to be between stage 1 and stage 3 on the Hoehn and Yahr Staging Scale. The aim of the study was to find out whether a week of daily walks in the Swedish mountains would affect the motor performance of persons with PD, objectively and quantitatively assessed by a computer-assisted, opto-electronic movement analysis program, the Posturo-Locomotor-Manual (PLM) test. As compared with those before the journey, the results showed improved motor performance both immediately after the walking week and also at 3 but not 6 months later. The first year of participation showed the most pronounced improvements. The results demonstrate a long-lasting improvement in decreased movement time, indicating enhanced general motor performance and also an improved simultaneous index (SI), indicating a possible effect on the central nervous system. These findings, along with participants' narratives about what they did after returning home, may be indicative of strengthened self-confidence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Locomotion / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Skills / physiology*
  • Mountaineering / physiology*
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology
  • Parkinson Disease / rehabilitation*
  • Patient Care Team
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Sweden
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Walking / physiology*

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents