title: The effects of balance training and high-intensity resistance training on persons with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess immediate and near-term effects of 2 exercise training programs for persons with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized control trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Public health facility and medical center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen persons with IPD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Combined group (balance and resistance training) and balance group (balance training only) underwent 10 weeks of high-intensity resistance training (knee extensors and flexors, ankle plantarflexion) and/or balance training under altered visual and somatosensory sensory conditions, 3 times a week on nonconsecutive days. Groups were assessed before, immediately after training, and 4 weeks later.
  
  
  METHODS
  Balance was assessed by computerized dynamic posturography, which determined the subject's response to reduced or altered visual and somatosensory orientation cues (Sensory Orientation Test [SOT]). Muscle strength was assessed by measuring the amount of weight a participant could lift, by using a standardized weight-and-pulley system, during a 4-repetition-maximum test of knee extension, knee flexion, and ankle plantarflexion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both types of training improved SOT performance. This effect was larger in the combined group. Both groups could balance longer before falling, and this effect persisted for at least 4 weeks. Muscle strength increased marginally in the balance group and substantially in the combined group, and this effect persisted for at least 4 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Muscle strength and balance can be improved in persons with IPD by high-intensity resistance training and balance training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hirsch
authors.forename: Tonya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Toole
authors.forename: Charles G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Maitland
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rider
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome