title: Physical therapy in Parkinson's disease: an open long-term rehabilitation trial.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prolonged physical therapy on disability in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study was designed as an open long-term trial over 20 weeks. Twenty slightly to moderately affected parkinsonian patients were included (Hoehn & Yahr stages: 1.5-3). A comprehensive rehabilitation program was applied three times a week in all patients. Pharmacological treatment was kept stable. Evaluations were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment and after 3 months. Following physical rehabilitation, there was a significant improvement in UPDRS (ADL and motor sections) scores, Self-assessment Parkinson's disease Disability Scale, Ten-Meter Walk test and Zung scale for depression. At 3-month follow-up clinical improvements were largely maintained. A sustained improvement of motor skills in PD patients can be achieved with a long-term comprehensive rehabilitation program.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Sciences, University "Federico II", Ed. 17, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy. foods@katamail.com
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Pellecchia
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grasso
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Biancardi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Squillante
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bonavita
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barone
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking