Resistance Training Improves The Functional And Physical Capacity Of Patients With Parkinson€

Introduction: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects about 10 million people worldwide. Patients with PD have a progressive deterioration of functionality due to the progression of their motor symptoms (tremor, stiffness, progressive bradykinesia and postural instability). PD decreases the ability to perform activities of daily living, increasing dependence on a caregiver. However, Resistance Training (RT) was recommended as it promotes important morphological and functional adaptations, such as increased muscle strength, functionality, and preservation/increase of muscle mass. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of resistance training on the physical and functional capacity of sedentary patients with Parkinson's Disease. Methods: 23 sedentary patients diagnosed with PD (Hoehn & Yahr stages 1-3) with an average age of 59.2 ± 4.6 years. Their functionality was evaluated through the following tests: Flexibility using a Well's Bench, Maximum Gait Speed (MGS), Aerobic Resistance (AR), and rising from a chair and walking around the house (CLCL). Their strength was evaluated through Right Hand Grip (RHG) and Left Hand Grip (LHG). The experiment lasted a total of 56 weeks and the participants passed through 4 batteries of functional capacity assessment: before and after the first 24 weeks, after 8 weeks of detraining, and after the remaining 24 weeks of retraining. The participants completed 2 days of RT per week consisting of 2 sets of Bench Press, Leg Press, Unilateral Seated Row, Calf and abdominal exercises. Each set consisted of 8-12 repetitions and the amount of weight lifted was progressively increased once a participant was able to complete 12 repetitions on the final set of an exercise for two consecutive sets. Data was analyzed using the SSPS v.21 statistical software. Repeated Measures of ANOVA was used to analyze the data. P < 0.05 was considered. Results: Post-First 24 weeks, there was a statistic difference in: Flexibility (p=0,047); AC (p=0,0001); MGS (p=0,012); LCLC (p=0,012) with no difference in strength: RHG (p=0,205) and LHG (=1). After the detraining period, there was significant reduction in the strength of the patients: RHG (p=0,0001) and LHG (p=0,0001), with reduction in the functionality variables: AC (p=0,0001); MGS (p=0,0001) and LCLC (p=0,0001), with the exception of flexibility (p=0,465). Post-Retraining, there was an increase in all the variables of strength: RHG (p=0,0001) and LHG (p=0,0001), and improvement in all functionality variables: Flexibility (p=0,035); AC (p=0,0001); MGS (p=0.0001) and LCLC (p=0,0001). When comparing the pre-first 24 weeks with post-retraining, there was, with the exception of LHG (p=1), significant improvement of: RHG (p=0.03); Flexibility (p=0.008); AC (p=0.0001); MGS (p=0.0001); CLCL (p=0.005). Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that RT improves the functional and physical capacity of patients with PD. We suggest that RT should be a central component of exercise programs for patients with PD.

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