Task-oriented circuit training combined with aerobic training improves motor performance and balance in people with Parkinson's Disease

• Published in: Acta neurologica Belgica 2021-04, Vol.121 (2), p.535-543
• Main Authors: Soke, Fatih, Guclu-Gunduz, Arzu, Kocer, Bilge, Fidan, Isil, Keskinoglu, Pembe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2240-2993
• DOI: 10.1007/s13760-019-01247-8

Goal-based training such as task practice combined with aerobic training (AT) has been suggested to improve motor performance and neuroplasticity for people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD); however, its effect on clinical outcomes is unclear. Therefore, the main aim was to investigate the effects of task-oriented circuit training combined with AT (TOCT-AT) on balance and gait in PwPD. The secondary aim was to investigate the effects of TOCT-AT on functional mobility, balance confidence, disease severity, and quality of life. Twenty-six PwPD were randomly assigned to either to the experimental group (n = 14) or the control group (n = 12). The control group received AT, while the experimental group received TOCT-AT three times a week for 8 weeks. The main outcomes were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Postural Stability Test (PST), Limits of Stability Test (LOS), Pull Test (PT), Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and eight-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-8) were secondary outcomes. After intervention, between-group comparisons showed that the experimental group significantly improved more than the control group in all outcomes (p