THE INFLUENCE OF THE AQUATIC EXERCISES PROGRAM ON THE POSTURAL BALANCE AND GAIT IN PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating disease that leads to loss of balance and postural control because of neuronal deterioration. Aquatic therapy is a more recent form of therapy for PD patients and has been shown to benefit postural stability. The aim of the study is to assess the effects of aquatic exercise program on postural balance and gait in people with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: 7 PD patients were included, aged between 50 and 70, who in II and III stages of the disease. The subjects underwent 40 sessions of aquatic therapy during 4 months, lasting 60 minutes, in a heated therapy pool. The participants were evaluated in the start and end of the interventions phase using the Berg Balance Scale (PBS), Time Up and Go (TUG), Tandem stance, and 10m walk and 3600 turn. Results: the results of this study showed an important improvement in static and dynamic balance and gait outcomes in comparison with the baseline results. Conclusion: Balance training in the aquatic environment promoted improvement on balance and gait of patients with Parkinson´s disease.

Keywords

• aquatic therapy
• Parkinson’s disease
• postural balance