The Mini-BESTest is an independent predictor of falls in Parkinson Disease.

BACKGROUND: Falls in Parkinson Disease (PD) are a complex health problem, with multidimensional causes and consequences. OBJECTIVES: To identify the fall predictors in individuals with PD and compare fallers and non-fallers considering their socio-demographic, anthropometric, clinical and functional status. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional design was employed. Variables included: age, sex, body mass index, PD progression, levodopa dosage, activities limitation and motor impairments (UPDRS ADL/Motor), level of physical activity (human activity profile - HAP), fear of falls (Falls Efficacy Scale-International-FES-I), freezing of gait (Freezing of Gait Questionnaire - FOG-Q), gait speed (10 meters walk test - 10-MWT), lower limb functional strength (Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test - FTSST), balance (Mini-BESTest), mobility (Timed "Up & Go" - TUG) and dual-task dynamic (TUG-DT). Seventeen potential predictors were identified. Logistic regression and ROC curve were applied. RESULTS: Three-hundred and seventy individuals (44.87% fallers and 55.13% non-fallers) completed the study. Fallers presented worse performance in UPDRS motor/ADL/Total, FES-I, FOG-Q, Mini-BESTest, HAP, TUG and TUG-DT and the majority were inactive. The Mini-BESTest Total was the main independent predictor of falls (OR=0.92; p<0.001; 95% CI=0.89, 0.95). For each one-unit increase in the Mini-BESTest, there was an average reduction of 8% in the probability of being a faller. A cut-off point of 21.5/28 (AUC=0.669, sensitivity 70.7% and specificity 55.1%) was determined. CONCLUSION: Besides characterizing and comparing fallers and non-fallers, this study showed that the Mini-BESTest was the strongest individual predictor of falls in individuals with PD, highlighting the importance of evaluating dynamic balance ability during fall risk assessment.

Determinants of the use of physiotherapy services among individuals with Parkinson's disease living in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the factors affecting the use of physiotherapy services among individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) living in Brazil. METHODS: Overall, 479 individuals with idiopathic PD, of both sexes, at any stage of the Hoehn & Yahr (HY) scale, and from seven capital cities in Brazil were recruited from 2014 to 2016. Multivariate logistic regression was the main statistical tool. For the construction of the logistic model, the association of the dependent variable "physiotherapy" with the independent sociodemographic/economic and clinical variables: age, education, family income, time of PD since onset, HY, the activities of daily living and motor subscales of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, cognitive aspects, depressive symptoms, fear of falling, freezing gait, history of falls, physical activity level, gait speed, walking performance and balance, were verified. RESULTS: The 479 individuals had an average age of 65.2 ± 11.0 years, 88% were in the HY I-III stages and 43.4% were under physiotherapy treatment. The analysis identified two determinant variables related to the use of the physiotherapy service: level of education (OR = 1.24) and walking performance (OR = 0.82). Decreased walking performance and a higher educational level increased the use of a physiotherapy service in individuals with PD living in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that individuals with PD, residents from different regions of Brazil, have limited access to physiotherapy services. In addition, the Brazilian Public Health Care System, as well as local programs, need to target PD individuals with a low educational level to improve their access to physiotherapy services. Goals should aim towards the development of physical exercise programs to improve the patients' functional performance for a longer period.

Determinants of the use of physiotherapy services among individuals with Parkinson's disease living in Brazil / Determinantes do uso de serviço de fisioterapia entre indivíduos com doença de Parkinson que vivem no Brasil

ABSTRACT To identify the factors affecting the use of physiotherapy services among individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) living in Brazil. Methods: Overall, 479 individuals with idiopathic PD, of both sexes, at any stage of the Hoehn & Yahr (HY) scale, and from seven capital cities in Brazil were recruited from 2014 to 2016. Multivariate logistic regression was the main statistical tool. For the construction of the logistic model, the association of the dependent variable "physiotherapy" with the independent sociodemographic/economic and clinical variables: age, education, family income, time of PD since onset, HY, the activities of daily living and motor subscales of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, cognitive aspects, depressive symptoms, fear of falling, freezing gait, history of falls, physical activity level, gait speed, walking performance and balance, were verified. Results: The 479 individuals had an average age of 65.2 ± 11.0 years, 88% were in the HY I-III stages and 43.4% were under physiotherapy treatment. The analysis identified two determinant variables related to the use of the physiotherapy service: level of education (OR = 1.24) and walking performance (OR = 0.82). Decreased walking performance and a higher educational level increased the use of a physiotherapy service in individuals with PD living in Brazil. Conclusions: The present study shows that individuals with PD, residents from different regions of Brazil, have limited access to physiotherapy services. In addition, the Brazilian Public Health Care System, as well as local programs, need to target PD individuals with a low educational level to improve their access to physiotherapy services. Goals should aim towards the development of physical exercise programs to improve the patients' functional performance for a longer period.

RESUMO Descrever a utilização do serviço de fisioterapia e identificar os fatores que determinam o uso desse serviço entre indivíduos com doença de Parkinson (DP) que vivem no Brasil. Métodos: No total, 479 indivíduos com DP idiopática, de ambos os sexos, em qualquer estágio da escala de Hoehn & Yahr (HY) e de sete capitais do Brasil foram recrutados durante 2014 a 2016. A análise de regressão logística multivariada foi a principal ferramenta de análise estatística. Para a construção do modelo logístico foi investigada a associação da variável dependente "fisioterapia" com variáveis independentes sociodemográficas, econômicas e clínicas: idade, educação, renda familiar, tempo de DP desde o início, HY, domínio motor e atividade de vida diária da Unified Parkinson´s Disease Rating Scale, aspectos cognitivos, sintomas depressivos, medo de queda, congelamento marcha, história de quedas, nível de atividade física, velocidade de marcha, capacidade de caminhar e equilíbrio. Resultados: 479 indivíduos apresentaram média de 65,2 ± 11,0 anos, 88% tiveram HY = I-III e 43,4% faziam fisioterapia para a DP. A análise identificou duas principais variáveis determinantes do uso da fisioterapia: educação (OR = 1,24) e capacidade de caminhada (OR = 0,82). A diminuição da capacidade de caminhar e maior nível educacional aumentam o uso da fisioterapia em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson vivendo no Brasil. Conclusões: O presente estudo mostra que indivíduos com DP, residentes de diferentes regiões do Brasil, têm acesso limitado aos serviços de fisioterapia. Além disso, o Sistema Brasileiro de Saúde Pública, bem como os programas locais, precisam atingir pessoas de DP com baixo nível educacional para melhorar seu acesso aos serviços de fisioterapia. Os objetivos devem ser para o desenvolvimento de programas de exercícios físicos para melhorar o desempenho funcional dos pacientes por um período mais longo.

Energy expenditure and cost of walking and stair climbing in individuals with chronic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Subjects with stroke show higher energy cost (EC) during walking, when compared to healthy individuals, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Additionally, the behavior of physiological variables during other activities has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate energy expenditure (EE) and EC during the six-minute walking test (6MWT) and stair climb test (SCT) in chronic stroke subjects compared to healthy controls. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in which stroke subjects (n=18) (community-walking speed ≥0.8m/s) or limited-community <0.8m/s walkers and matched healthy controls (n=18) had their EE and EC assessed during the 6MWT and SCT with a portable monitoring system. RESULTS: Significant differences in EE were observed for both the 6MWT (MD 7.29; 95%CI 4.08-10.50) and SCT (MD 8.53; 95%CI 5.07-12.00) between the stroke and control groups, but not between the stroke subgroups. Significant between-group differences in EC were found for both the 6MWT and SCT. For the 6MWT, differences were significant between the limited-community and the community walkers (MD 0.19; 95%CI 0.05-0.33) and controls (MD 0.17; 95%CI 0.04-0.29). No significant differences were found between the community walkers and controls (MD 0.02; 95%CI -0.09 to 0.13). For the SCT, the limited-community walkers showed highest EC, followed by the community walkers, and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Both stroke subgroups demonstrated lower EE compared to healthy controls. During the 6MWT, the limited-community walkers demonstrated higher EC compared to the community walkers and controls. During the SCT, the limited-community walkers demonstrated higher EC, followed by the community walkers, and controls.

Trunk kinematics related to generation and transfer of the trunk flexor momentum are associated with sit-to-stand performance in chronic stroke survivors.

BACKGROUND: Stroke subjects show poorer sit-to-stand (STS) performance when compared to matched-healthy subjects, but it is still unclear the trunk role in this poorer performance. OBJECTIVES: To compare the trunk kinematics related to the generation/transfer of the flexor momentum during the STS task between stroke and matched-healthy subjects, and to investigate if there were relationships between these variables and STS performance. METHODS: Eighteen chronic stroke survivors and 18 matched-healthy subjects were assessed. The score of the five-repetition STS test and the total/phases duration of the STS (motion analysis system) at both self-selected/fast speeds characterized STS performance. Trunk kinematic variables were maximum forward flexion, peak flexor momentum, and its temporal framework in the STS. Between groups comparisons (Independent Student's t-tests) and correlations (Pearson correlation) were performed (α= 0.05). RESULTS: Stroke subjects showed poorer STS performance, greater values of maximum forward flexion at fast speeds, and a lower peak flexor momentum at both speeds (0.001≤p≤0.022). In general, the correlations were significant, moderate (0.001≤p≤0.028), and positive to maximum forward flexion (0.37≤r≤0.54) and negative to peak flexor momentum (-0.58≤r≤-0.71). CONCLUSIONS: The poorer STS performance in stroke survivors is associated to the kinematic changes of the trunk related to the poorer ability to generate/transfer the trunk flexor momentum.

Work and power reduced in L-dopa naïve patients in the early-stages of Parkinson's disease.

UNLABELLED: Studies which have investigated muscular performance during the initial stages of Parkinson's disease (PD) without L-dopa treatments were not found. OBJECTIVE: to assess whether muscular performance, work and power, of the trunk and lower limbs in L-dopa naïve patients in the early stages of PD was lower than those of healthy subjects and to compare muscular performance between the lower limbs. METHOD: Ten subjects with PD, Hoehn and Yahr (HY) I-II, L-dopa naïve and 10 subjects in the control group were assessed with the isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: ANOVAs revealed that work and power measures of the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle muscular groups were lower in PD compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in muscular performance between the lower limbs. CONCLUSION: The results suggested the use of specific exercises, as rehabilitation strategies, to improve the ability to produce work and power with this population.

Work and power reduced in L-dopa naïve patients in the early-stages of Parkinson’s disease / Trabalho e potência reduzidos em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson sem L-dopa nos estágios iniciais

ABSTRACT Studies which have investigated muscular performance during the initial stages of Parkinson´s disease (PD) without L-dopa treatments were not found. Objective to assess whether muscular performance, work and power, of the trunk and lower limbs in L-dopa naïve patients in the early stages of PD was lower than those of healthy subjects and to compare muscular performance between the lower limbs. Method Ten subjects with PD, Hoehn and Yahr (HY) I-II, L-dopa naïve and 10 subjects in the control group were assessed with the isokinetic dynamometer. Results ANOVAs revealed that work and power measures of the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle muscular groups were lower in PD compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in muscular performance between the lower limbs. Conclusion The results suggested the use of specific exercises, as rehabilitation strategies, to improve the ability to produce work and power with this population.

RESUMO Estudos que investigaram o desempenho muscular durante os estágios iniciais da doença de Parkinson (DP), sem tratamento com L-dopa não foram encontrados. Objetivo Avaliar se o desempenho muscular, por meio de medidas de trabalho e potência, do tronco e dos membros inferiores em pacientes sem o uso de L-dopa nas fases iniciais da DP é menor do que o de indivíduos saudáveis e comparar o desempenho muscular entre os membros inferiores. Método Dez indivíduos com DP, Hoehn and Yahr (HY) I-II, sem L-dopa e 10 indivíduos do grupo controle foram avaliados com o dinamômetro isocinético. Resultados Medidas de trabalho e potência muscular do tronco, quadril, joelho, tornozelo foram menores no PD em comparação com o grupo controle (p < 0,05) e não houve diferenças significativas no desempenho muscular entre os membros inferiores. Conclusão O uso de exercícios específicos, como estratégias de reabilitação, pode melhorar a capacidade de produzir trabalho e potência muscular nesta população.

Main determinants of physical activity levels in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

This study analyzed the relationship between patient characteristics, factors associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), and physical activity level of individuals affected by the disease. Forty-six volunteers with mild-to-moderate idiopathic PD were assessed using sections II/III of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and their motor functions were classified according to the modified Hoehn and Yahr (HY) scale. Data such as age, disease duration, the Human Activity Profile (HAP), the Fatigue Severity Scale were collected. Lower limb bradykinesia and clinical subtypes of PD were defined. Two models that explained 76% of the variance of the HAP were used. The first comprised age, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), and the HY scale; the second comprised age, ability to perform ADL, and lower limb bradykinesia. Possible modifiable factors such as the ability to perform ADL and lower limb bradykinesia were identified as predictors of physical activity level of individuals with PD.

Main determinants of physical activity levels in individuals with Parkinson's disease / Fatores determinantes do nível de atividade física de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the relationship between patient characteristics, factors associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and physical activity level of individuals affected by the disease. Forty-six volunteers with mild-to-moderate idiopathic PD were assessed using sections II/III of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale and their motor functions were classified according to the modified Hoehn and Yahr (HY) scale. Data such as age, disease duration, the Human Activity Profile (HAP), the Fatigue Severity Scale were collected. Lower limb bradykinesia and clinical subtypes of PD were defined. Two models that explained 76% of the variance of the HAP were used. The first comprised age, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), and the HY scale; the second comprised age, ability to perform ADL, and lower limb bradykinesia. Possible modifiable factors such as the ability to perform ADL and lower limb bradykinesia were identified as predictors of physical activity level of individuals with PD.

RESUMO Este estudo analisou a relação entre características dos pacientes, fatores associados com a doença de Parkinson (DP) e nível de atividade física de indivíduos afetados pela doença. Quarenta e seis voluntários com DP leve a moderada foram avaliados usando a Escala de Avaliação Unificada da Doença de Parkinson (UPDRS), e classificados de acordo com a Escala de Hoehn e Yahr modificada (HY). Dados como idade, duração da doença, Perfil de Atividade Humana (PAH), Escala da Severidade da Fatiga (FSS) foram coletados. Bradicinesia de membros inferiores e subtipos clínicos foram definidos. Dois modelos que explicaram 76% da variância do PAH foram observados. O primeiro compreende idade, habilidade de realizar Atividades de Vida Diária (AVD) e a escala de HY modificada; e o segundo compreende idade, habilidade de realizar AVD, e bradicinesia. Fatores modificáveis como a habilidade de realizar AVD e bradicinesia foram identificados como preditores do nível de atividade física de indivíduos com DP.

Cross-cultural adaptation and analysis of the psychometric properties of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test and MiniBESTest in the elderly and individuals with Parkinson's disease: application of the Rasch model.

BACKGROUND: Older adults and individuals with neurological problems such as Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibit balance deficits that might impair their mobility and independence. The assessment of balance must be useful in identifying the presence of instability and orient interventions. OBJECTIVE: To translate and perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) and MiniBESTest to Brazilian Portuguese and analyze its psychometric properties. METHOD: The tests were translated and adapted to Portuguese according to a standard method and then subjected to a test-retest reliability assessment (10 older adults; 10 individuals with PD). The psychometric properties were assessed by the Rasch model (35 older adults; 35 individuals with PD). RESULTS: The reliability coefficient of the tests relative to the items and subjects varied from 0.91 and 0.98, which is indicative of the stability and reproducibility of the measures. In the BESTest, the person (4.19) and item (5.36) separation index established six balance ability levels and seven levels of difficulty, respectively. In the MiniBESTest, the person (3.16) and item (6.41) separation index established four balance ability levels and nine levels of difficulty, respectively. Two items in the BESTest did not fit with the model expectations, but the construct validity was not compromised. No item in the MiniBESTest was erratic. CONCLUSIONS: The results corroborate the diagnostic and screening functions of the BESTest and MiniBESTest, respectively, and indicate that the Brazilian versions exhibit adequate reliability, construct validity, response stability, and capacity to distinguish among various balance ability levels in older adults and individuals with PD.

Cross-cultural adaptation and analysis of the psychometric properties of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test and MiniBESTest in the elderly and individuals with Parkinson's disease: application of the Rasch model / Adaptação transcultural e análise das propriedades psicométricas do Balance Evaluation Systems Test e do MiniBESTest em idosos e indivíduos com doença de Parkinson: aplicação do modelo Rasch

BACKGROUND: Older adults and individuals with neurological problems such as Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibit balance deficits that might impair their mobility and independence. The assessment of balance must be useful in identifying the presence of instability and orient interventions. OBJECTIVE: To translate and perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) and MiniBESTest to Brazilian Portuguese and analyze its psychometric properties. METHOD: The tests were translated and adapted to Portuguese according to a standard method and then subjected to a test-retest reliability assessment (10 older adults; 10 individuals with PD). The psychometric properties were assessed by the Rasch model (35 older adults; 35 individuals with PD). RESULTS: The reliability coefficient of the tests relative to the items and subjects varied from 0.91 and 0.98, which is indicative of the stability and reproducibility of the measures. In the BESTest, the person (4.19) and item (5.36) separation index established six balance ability levels and seven levels of difficulty, respectively. In the MiniBESTest, the person (3.16) and item (6.41) separation index established four balance ability levels and nine levels of difficulty, respectively. Two items in the BESTest did not fit with the model expectations, but the construct validity was not compromised. No item in the MiniBESTest was erratic. CONCLUSIONS: The results corroborate the diagnostic and screening functions of the BESTest and MiniBESTest, respectively, and indicate that the Brazilian versions exhibit adequate reliability, construct validity, response stability, and capacity to distinguish among various balance ability levels in older adults and individuals with PD. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Idosos e indivíduos com problemas neurológicos, como a doença de Parkinson (DP), apresentam déficits de equilíbrio que podem comprometer a mobilidade e independência. A avaliação do equilíbrio deve identificar a instabilidade e direcionar a intervenção. OBJETIVOS: Traduzir e adaptar transculturalmente o Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) e o MiniBESTest para o português-Brasil e analisar suas propriedades psicométricas. MÉTODO: Os testes foram traduzidos e adaptados para o português seguindo instruções padronizadas e foram submetidos à análise de confiabilidade teste-reteste (dez idosos; dez indivíduos com DP). As propriedades psicométricas foram avaliadas pela análise Rasch (35 idosos; 35 indivíduos com DP). RESULTADOS: Os coeficientes de confiabilidade dos testes para itens e indivíduos variaram de 0,91 a 0,98, indicando estabilidade e possibilidade de reprodução das medidas em aplicações subsequentes. No BESTest, os índices de separação dos indivíduos (4,19) e dos itens (5,36) determinaram, respectivamente, seis níveis de habilidade de equilíbrio e sete níveis de dificuldade. No MiniBESTest, os índices dividiram os indivíduos (3,16) em quatro níveis de habilidade e os itens (6,41) em nove níveis de dificuldade. Dois itens do BESTest não se adequaram às expectativas do modelo, o que não comprometeu sua validade de constructo. No MiniBESTest não houve item errático. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados dão suporte à função de diagnóstico e triagem para o BESTest e MiniBESTest, respectivamente, e sugerem que as versões brasileiras apresentam adequada confiabilidade, ...

Recruitment rate, feasibility and safety of power training in individuals with Parkinson's disease: a proof-of-concept study.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that power training should be implemented in interventions in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it is necessary to determine the feasibility and safety of training rapid movements in such individuals. OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of recruitment of potential participants, the rate of attendance at training sessions, the levels of adherence to the intervention, and the rate of adverse events. METHOD: Patients with PD, users of the national public health system underwent power training of the lower limb muscles three times a week for 10 weeks. The number of people who were screened and recruited was recorded, as well as the rate of attendance at the training sessions and adherence to the intervention protocol. Safety was assessed by the presence of adverse events, pain, number of falls, and risk of injury associated with the intervention. RESULTS: Over the course of eight months, 62 individuals were screened and only 13 completed the program. The rates of attendance and adherence were 88% and 97%, respectively. There were no adverse events during training. Two participants reported joint pain and one reported falls during the training period. CONCLUSIONS: The recruitment rate was low due to the subjects' difficulties with transportation and lack of interest. The high rates of adherence and attendance and the absence of adverse events suggest that power training is feasible and safe in PD.

Progressive resistance exercise improves strength and physical performance in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.

QUESTION: Does progressive resistance exercise improve strength and measures of physical performance in people with Parkinson's disease? DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials. PARTICIPANTS: People with Parkinson's disease, regardless of gender or level of disability. INTERVENTION: Progressive resistance exercise, defined as involving repetitive, strong, or effortful muscle contractions and progression of load as the participant's abilities changed. OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures of muscle strength (maximum voluntary force production) - either continuous (force, torque, work, EMG) or ordinal (manual muscle test) - and physical performance measures: sit-to-stand time, fast and comfortable walking speeds, 6-min walk test, stair descent and ascent, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, Timed Up and Go test, and the Short Physical Performance Battery. RESULTS: Four (quasi-) randomised trials were included, three of which reported data that could be pooled in a meta-analysis. Progressive resistance exercise increased strength, with a standardised mean difference 0.50 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.95), and had a clinically worthwhile effect on walking capacity, with a mean difference of 96 metres (95% CI 40 to 152) among people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. However, most physical performance outcomes did not show clinically worthwhile improvement after progressive resistance exercise. CONCLUSION: This review suggests that progressive resistance exercise can be effective and worthwhile in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease, but carryover of benefit does not occur for all measures of physical performance. The current evidence suggests that progressive resistance training should be implemented in Parkinson's disease rehabilitation, particularly when the aim is to improve walking capacity.

Lower limb muscle activation during the sit-to-stand task in subjects who have had a stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare electromyographic activities between and within the paretic and nonparetic lower limb muscles during the sit-to-stand (STS) task in subjects with hemiparesis as a result of stroke. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. RESULTS: All monitored muscles of both lower limbs remained active during most of the sit-to-stand task; the muscles were activated before the seat-off and reached the maximum peak of electromyographic activity after the seat-off (P < 0.01). As compared with the paretic limb, the nonparetic limb exhibited earlier activation of the hamstrings (P < 0.01); longer activation period (P < 0.01); and higher electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior, the soleus, and the quadriceps (P ≤ 0.02). The activity onset time was similar in all muscles of the nonparetic lower limb (P ≥ 0.053), whereas the tibialis anterior of the paretic lower limb was activated before the hamstring and the soleus (P ≤ 0.015). These results illustrate that muscle activation of both limbs during the sit-to-stand task was impaired but in a higher level in the paretic side. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular coordination abnormalities were observed in both lower limbs. The paretic limb was unable to recruit the muscles at the proper time and to achieve the amplitude for executing the sit-to-stand task, whereas significant compensations occurred on the nonparetic side.

Recruitment rate, feasibility and safety of power training in individuals with Parkinson's disease: a proof-of-concept study / Taxa de recrutamento, viabilidade e segurança de um treinamento de potência muscular em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson: um estudo prova de conceito

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that power training should be implemented in interventions in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it is necessary to determine the feasibility and safety of training rapid movements in such individuals. OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of recruitment of potential participants, the rate of attendance at training sessions, the levels of adherence to the intervention, and the rate of adverse events. METHOD: Patients with PD, users of the national public health system underwent power training of the lower limb muscles three times a week for 10 weeks. The number of people who were screened and recruited was recorded, as well as the rate of attendance at the training sessions and adherence to the intervention protocol. Safety was assessed by the presence of adverse events, pain, number of falls, and risk of injury associated with the intervention. RESULTS: Over the course of eight months, 62 individuals were screened and only 13 completed the program. The rates of attendance and adherence were 88% and 97%, respectively. There were no adverse events during training. Two participants reported joint pain and one reported falls during the training period. CONCLUSIONS: The recruitment rate was low due to the subjects' difficulties with transportation and lack of interest. The high rates of adherence and attendance and the absence of adverse events suggest that power training is feasible and safe in PD.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Sugeriu-se que treinamento de potência muscular deve ser implementado em programas de exercícios na doença de Parkinson (DP). Entretanto, há necessidade de se determinar a viabilidade e a segurança associadas ao treinamento de movimentos rápidos em tais indivíduos. OBJETIVOS: Determinar a taxa de recrutamento dos participantes; a taxa de presença nas sessões de treinamento; o nível de adesão ao protocolo de intervenção e a taxa de eventos adversos relacionados. MÉTODO: Indivíduos com DP, usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), receberam treinamento de potência muscular para os membros inferiores três vezes/semana durante dez semanas. Dados sobre o número de indivíduos recrutados bem como a presença e adesão ao tratamento foram registrados. A segurança foi avaliada pela presença de eventos adversos, dor durante a atividade, número de quedas e risco de lesão associado ao tratamento. RESULTADOS: Em oito meses, 62 indivíduos com DP foram triados, e apenas 13 participaram do programa até o final. As taxas de presença e adesão foram de 88% e 97%, respectivamente. Não houve evento adverso durante o treinamento. Dois participantes reportaram dores articulares, e um reportou quedas durante o período de treinamento. CONCLUSÕES: A taxa de recrutamento foi baixa devido à dificuldade de transporte e à falta de interesse dos indivíduos com DP em participar do estudo. As altas taxas de presença e adesão e a ausência de eventos adversos sugerem que o treinamento de potência muscular é viável e seguro na DP.

Do clinical scales of balance reflect turning abnormalities in people with Parkinson's disease?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It is well known that people with Parkinson's disease (PD) have significant difficulty turning, and that such difficulty is related to freezing episodes and falls. However, it is unclear how clinicians should evaluate turning. The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine whether the common clinical assessment instruments reflect turning deficits in persons with PD compared with an instrumented measure. METHODS: Forty-six participants with PD (23 with mild PD, and 23 with severe PD), and 40 healthy controls were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (Berg), Tinetti Mobility Test (Tinetti), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, and the new instrumented Timed Up & Go test using wearable inertial sensors. RESULTS: Turns during the instrumented Timed Up & Go test showed significant differences among groups (χ2 = 43.6, P < 0.0001). Specifically, controls and mild PD (P < 0.001) and controls and severe PD (P < 0.00001). The number of steps (χ2 = 32.1; P < 0.0001) and peak speed (χ2 = 31.9; P < 0.0001) during turning were significantly different among all groups. Clinical scales were less likely to detect these differences. Of the clinical scales, the Berg was best able to detect differences between control and mild PD groups. Correlations between clinical measures of balance and instrumented turning were moderate but significant. CONCLUSIONS: We show evidence that turning is impaired, even in mildly impaired participants with PD and that this deficit is not obviously reflected in common clinical scales of balance such as the Berg or Tinetti. It may be more useful for a clinician to examine particular items within the Berg or the turning component of the TUG if turning difficulty is suspected.

Performance-based tests in subjects with stroke: outcome scores, reliability and measurement errors.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities and measurement errors of seven widely applied performance-based tests for stroke subjects (comfortable/maximal gait speeds and both stair ascending/descending cadences, as well as the Timed 'Up and Go' test) and to verify whether the use of different types of outcome scores (one trial, the means of two and three trials, and the best and the worst values of the three trials) affected the score values, as well as their reliability and measurement errors. DESIGN: Intra- and inter-rater reliability study. SETTING: Research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Sixteen stroke subjects with a mean age of 52 ± 17.9 years. MAIN MEASURES: Seven performance-based tests, over two sessions, seven days apart, evaluated by two independent examiners. A third examiner recorded all data. One-way ANOVAs, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and percentages of the standard errors of measurement (SEM%) were used for analyses. RESULTS: For all tests, similar results were found for all types of outcome scores (0.01 ≤ F ≤ 0.56; 0.34 ≤ p ≤ 0.99). For instance, at the comfortable gait speed, the means (SD) values for the first trial, the means of two and three trials and the best and worst of three trials were, respectively, 1.04 (0.25), 1.04(0.24), 1.05 (0.24), 1.10 (0.26), 1.02 (0.24) seconds. Significant and adequate values of intra- (0.75 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.96; p ≤ 0.002) and inter-rater (0.75 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.97; p ≤ 0.001) reliabilities were found for all tests and outcome scores. Measurement errors were considered low (5.01 ≤ SEM% ≤14.78) and were also similar between all outcome scores. CONCLUSIONS: For the seven tests, only one trial was necessary to provide consistent and reliable results regarding the functional performances of stroke subjects.

Redução do limite de estabilidade direção-específica em indivíduos leve a moderadamente afetados pela doença de Parkinson / Direction-specific limits of stability are reduced in mild to moderate Parkinson's disease individuals

A instabilidade postural na doença de Parkinson (DP) tem sido associada a uma diminuição do limite de estabilidade (LE) na direção ântero-posterior (AP). Entretanto, ainda que possíveis alterações do LE na direção látero-lateral (LL) tenham sido sugeridas, tal direção não tem sido avaliada nos estudos com DP, principalmente quando o teste de limite de estabilidade (TLE) envolve movimentos intencionais que deslocam o centro de massa corporal (CMC). O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o LE na postura de pé durante movimentos voluntários que promovem deslocamento do CMC nas direções AP e LL de indivíduos com e sem a DP. Doze indivíduos com DP (Hoehn & Yahr=II, III) e 12 sem a doença realizaram o TLE nos sentidos anterior, posterior, direito e esquerdo. A velocidade de movimento (VM), excursão máxima (EM) e o controle direcional (CD) do CMC foram avaliados em cada sentido. Os indivíduos com DP foram significativamente mais lentos em todos os sentidos de deslocamento do CMC (p<0,05). Não houve diferença significativa na EM e CD no sentido anterior entre os grupos (p>0,05). Por outro lado, a EM e CD do CMC foram menores para o grupo DP no sentido posterior (P) e na direção LL (p<0,05). Indivíduos leves a moderadamente afetados pela DP apresentaram redução do LE no sentido P e na direção LL quando comparados ao grupo controle. Os resultados sugerem que tal direção e sentido devam ser treinados em ortostatismo, com movimentos que deslocam voluntariamente o CMC, desde fases iniciais da DP.

Postural instability in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been associated with decreases of the limits of stability (LOS) in the anterior-posterior (AP) directions. Although LOS changes in the latero-lateral (LL) directions have been suggested, they have not been evaluated in studies with PD, especially when the LOS tests involve intentional displacements of the body center of mass (COM). The aim of this study was to investigate the LOS in standing posture during voluntary movements that promote movement of the COM in AP and LL directions of individuals with and without PD. Twelve subjects with PD (Hoehn & Yahr stages of II and III) and 12 without the disease performed the LOS tests in the anterior, posterior, right and left directions. The movement velocity (MV), maximum excursion (ME), and directional control (DC) of the COM were evaluated in all investigated directions. Individuals with PD demonstrated smaller COM displacements in all directions (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the ME and DC in the anterior direction (p>0.05). However, the ME and DC of the COM were smaller for the PD group in the backward, right, and left directions (p<0.05). Individuals with mild to moderate PD demonstrated decreases in the LOS in the posterior and LL directions, when compared to individuals without the disease. These findings suggested that such directions should be trained in the standing position with voluntary movements of the COM from the early stages of PD.