Effects of Group Exercise on Motor Function and Mobility for Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with a predictable decline in motor function and mobility that is commonly managed with exercise. There is a limited understanding of the effects of group exercise compared to individual exercise (IE) and usual care (UC) on motor function and mobility. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of group exercise compared to IE and UC on motor function and mobility for people with PD. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed with randomized control trials that investigated the effects of group compared with IE and UC on motor function and mobility for people with PD. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, EBSCO, and Science Direct databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies assessed at least 1 mobility-related outcome measure, met our inclusion criteria, and were included in quantitative analysis. There was no significant difference on motor function and mobility between group exercise and IE for all standardized outcome assessment meta-analyses. Motor function and mobility were significantly improved with group exercise compared to UC in 9 of 11 standardized outcome assessment meta-analyses. Results were based upon low to moderate quality of evidence. CONCLUSION: Based upon low to moderate quality of evidence, group exercise has a similar to larger effect as IE and UC on improving motor function and mobility for people with PD. When used in combination with skilled physical therapy, group exercise may be an appropriate adjunct to individualized physical therapy to maximize mobility and function. IMPACT: Long-term adherence to exercise is essential to maintain mobility and motor function for people with PD. Our study suggests group exercise is as effective as IE and may be an appropriate option to encourage long-term adherence related to increased access, socialization, and accountability.

Barriers to self-administered home-based task-oriented practice post-stroke: development and content validity of a new instrument.

PURPOSE: To develop a new instrument to identify barriers to self-administered home-based task-oriented practice post-stroke and test its content validity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of individuals with stroke and neurological rehabilitation professionals. The study consisted of two steps: (1) Instrument development, involving three processes; a data search in the literature, interviews with the target population and an open questionnaire (online) sent to professionals; and (2) Testing the content validity of the instrument by asking individuals with stroke and professionals about the comprehensiveness and relevance of the items and additionally asking individuals with stroke about the comprehensibility of the items. For each item in the instrument, the threshold validity scores were ≥0.80 in the Content Validity Index and ≥0.75 for the Kappa agreement. RESULTS: The preliminary version was developed with 46 items. The content validation was performed in three rounds. The last version of the instrument Barriers to self-administered home-based task-oriented practice post-stroke (BASH-TOP-Stroke) contained 34 items in five response categories, in which the higher the value presented, the greater the number of barriers. The content validity for the items was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides a new instrument to help identify barriers to self-administered home-based task-oriented practice post-stroke.

Barriers to self-administered task-oriented home-based exercises can be specific to this form of practice.Understanding barriers to self-administered task-oriented home-based exercises is essential to increase the amount of practice for optimizing motor recovery.The Barriers to self-administered home-based task-oriented practice post-stroke (BASH-TOP-Stroke) questionnaire was developed to evaluate barriers to self-administered task-oriented home-based exercises in individuals post-stroke.BASH-TOP-Stroke has excellent content validity based on patients and professionals and could help to identify strategies that may reduce barriers to self-administered home-based task-oriented practice after stroke.

An Exploratory Study on the Effect of 2 Brazilian Dance Protocols on Motor Aspects and Quality of Life of Individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Due to its multiple benefits in Parkinson's Disease, Dance has been a widely recommended activity in rehabilitation. However, there is a gap in the literature on the use of Brazilian sytles in rehabilitation protocols. This study aimed to compare the effect of 2 different protocols of Brazilian dance, samba and forró, and samba on motor aspects and quality of life of individuals with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: In a nonrandomized clinical trial lasting 12 weeks, 69 individuals with Parkinson's disease participated in the study: forró and samba group (FSG = 23), samba group (SG = 23), and control group (CG = 23). RESULTS: Significant improvements were found after SG intervention in the UPDRSIII and in the subitem quality of life mobility. In intra-group comparisons of FSG, significant differences were found in the subtype of quality of life discomfort. In the intergroup analysis, significant differences were found between CG, SG, and FSG in the communication sub-item, showing a greater increase in the scores of the groups that participated in the SG and FSG. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that Brazilian dance practice is capable of improving the perception of some aspects of quality of life and motor symptoms in relation to controls in people with Parkinson's disease.

Primary care for people with Parkinson's disease in Brazil: A referral flowchart based on risk of falls.

Background: People with Parkinson's disease (PD) need to exercise to have a better quality of life. The risk of falling needs to be considered when choosing and implementing exercise interventions. Flowcharts are used to facilitate referrals in Brazilian primary care network, but there is no specific one for PD. Aim: To develop a referral flowchart for people with PD in Brazilian primary care based on the risk of falls and scientific evidence in the context of a multidisciplinary approach. Methods: The development of the referral flowchart was accomplished in three steps; (1) relevant literature was reviewed (2) semi-structured interviews (in focus groups) were conducted with primary health care professionals to investigate the current care for people with Parkinson's disease, and (3) the information obtained from the previous steps were analyzed to inform the development of the referral flowchart. Results: The fall risk-based flowchart uses the 3-step-fall-prediction tool. The primary health care professional should refer the person with a low risk of falls to activities with minimal supervision and those with a higher risk of falls to specialized neurology services. Neurology services are also the referral target for persons presenting significant mobility restrictions (i.e., restricted to a wheelchair or bed). The referral occurs according to what is available in Brazilian primary care. Conclusion: This flowchart might be the first step to build a multidisciplinary approach for people with Parkinson's disease in Brazilian primary care. The next stage of this study is the validation and subsequent implementation of the flowchart through the primary care at Unified Health System in Brazil.

Young people's low back pain and awareness of postural habits: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Young people tend to spend most of their time in activities involving inappropriate positions, which can promote musculoskeletal alterations and disorders. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in young people and analyse its associations with daily postural habits. METHODS: Cross-sectional and retrospective study evaluating 679 Brazilian young people (15 to 18 years old), using questionnaires about LBP and awareness of postural habits. The prevalence values were calculated for the present moment, the last three months and throughout life. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-square test were applied. RESULTS: The prevalence of LBP at the present moment was 27.2%, 57.7% over the last three months and 73.9% throughout life. Boys and girls presented significantly different values, a larger number of girls manifesting pain for the three moments. The associated postural habits were: turning the body, reduction of lumbar lordosis when seated, not placing the feet on the floor, crossing the legs when sitting in the classroom and at home, sitting or lying in an inappropriate position, and distributing the body asymmetrically on the legs when standing. CONCLUSIONS: Young people from 15 to 18 years of age show a high prevalence of low back pain. Inadequate postural habits adopted during everyday activities are associated with this complaint. These findings could contribute to the implementation of prevention and rehabilitation strategies.

Greater Cognitive-Motor Interference in Individuals Post-Stroke During More Complex Motor Tasks.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dual-task (DT) walking assessments allow for the simultaneous evaluation of cognitive and motor performance. During DT walking, individuals may experience interference in one or both tasks, known as cognitive-motor interference (CMI). The primary purpose of this study was to compare CMI between individuals post-stroke and healthy persons group during single- and dual-motor and cognitive tasks, using 2 distinct walking tasks. METHODS: Motor performance was quantified as the total time for the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and gait speed for the 90-second walk (90W). Cognitive performance was measured as the correct response rate (CRR) during serial 7 subtractions. Participants performed the motor and cognitive tasks in isolation for the single-task (ST) and simultaneously for DT conditions, TUG-DT and 90W-DT. A repeated-measures analysis of variance assessed group (poststroke and healthy) by condition (ST and DT) interactions for the TUG, 90W, and CRR. RESULTS: There were significant main effects of group and condition for both the TUG and the 90W (P < 0.05). There was also an interaction effect for the TUG, with individuals post-stroke demonstrating a larger decrement in TUG-DT performance compared with healthy persons (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant interaction effect was observed for the CRR, in which healthy individuals exhibited a greater decrement in performance from the ST to the 90W-DT (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Individuals post-stroke were susceptible to greater motor interference during the more complex motor task, the TUG-DT. However, the only decrements observed in cognitive performance from the ST to DT occurred in healthy individuals during the 90W-DT.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A367).

Dance Rhythms Improve Motor Symptoms in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practices involving dance modalities found in binary (two-beat rhythm) or quaternary (four-beat rhythm) show that dance positively influences the motor aspects of disease.
Aim: This randomized clinical trial aimed to analyze the effect of two dance rhythm (binary and quaternary) on the balance, gait, and mobility in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).
Methods: Thirty-one individuals with PD were randomized into the binary group (n = 18) and the quaternary group (n = 13). Both groups participated in different dance rhythms lasting 12 weeks, twice a week, for 45 minutes.
Results: The binary group showed a significant difference in balance (p = 0.003), freezing of gait (p = 0.007), as well as in the motor aspects of MDS-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), with emphasis on the total values with a score change of 3.23. In the quaternary group, significant differences were found in balance (p = 0.021) with a score change of -2.54 and in the motor aspects of the MDS-UPDRS Part III where the total values stood out with a change of 3.54.
Discussion: When comparing the possible effects of binary and quaternary rhythms on the motor symptoms of individuals with PD, it was demonstrated that binary rhythm improved balance, freezing gait, and UPDRSIII. As for the quaternary rhythm, the benefits were in balance and the UPDRSIII.
Conclusion: The binary and the quaternary rhythm dance protocols positively influenced the motor symptoms of individuals with PD after 12 weeks of intervention.

Effects of binary dance rhythm compared with quaternary dance rhythm in fatigue, sleep, and daily sleepiness of individuals with Parkinson's disease: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Aim: People with Parkinson's disease constantly demonstrate low levels of physical activity, which is why dance has become increasingly important for the treatment of the disease. This study aimed to analyze the influence of binary and quaternary rhythm on fatigue, sleep, and daytime sleepiness in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Methods: 31 individuals participated in this randomized clinical trial with a mean age of 66.6 ± 10.2 years, 71% were male and 29% were female, allocated into two groups, binary and quaternary, where they participated in different dance interventions lasting 12 weeks. A questionnaire was applied including personal and clinical information; Mental State Mini-Examination (MMSE), Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Sleep Scale for Parkinson's Disease (PDSS), and Daytime Sleepiness Epworth Scale (ESS). Results: The groups that participated in binary rhythm classes showed improvement in sleep quality and daytime sleepiness after 12 weeks of intervention. However, no significant differences were found in the group that participated in the quaternary rhythm classes. Moreover, it was noted that the binary group managed to raise the heart rate during the 12 weeks of intervention, given that these results were not obtained in the quaternary group. Conclusion: The results showed the effectiveness of binary rhythm on non-motor symptoms and heart rate increase in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Thus, it is concluded that the binary rhythm was more effective than the quaternary rhythm.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in addition to walking training on walking, mobility, and reduction of falls in Parkinson's disease: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has the potential to modulate cortical excitability and enhance the effects of walking training in people with Parkinson's disease. This study will examine the efficacy of the addition of tDCS to a task-specific walking training to improve walking and mobility and to reduce falls in people with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: This is a two-arm, prospectively registered, randomized trial with concealed allocation, blinded assessors, participants and therapists, and intention-to-treat analysis. Twenty-four individuals with Parkinson's disease, categorized as slow or intermediate walkers (walking speeds ≤ 1.0 m/s), will be recruited. The experimental group will undertake a 30-min walking training associated with tDCS, for 4 weeks. The control group will undertake the same walking training, but with sham-tDCS. The primary outcome will be comfortable walking speed. Secondary outcomes will include walking step length, walking cadence, walking confidence, mobility, freezing of gait, fear of falling, and falls. Outcomes will be collected by a researcher blinded to group allocation at baseline (week 0), after intervention (week 4), and 1 month beyond intervention (week 8). DISCUSSION: tDCS associated with walking training may help improve walking of slow and intermediate walkers with Parkinson's disease. If walking is enhanced, the benefits may be accompanied by better mobility and reduced fear of falling, and individuals may experience greater free-living physical activity at home and in the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) RBR-6bvnx6 . Registered on September 23, 2019.

Binary dance rhythm or Quaternary dance rhythm which has the greatest effect on non-motor symptoms of individuals with Parkinson's disease?

This study aimed to compare the effect of a binary and quaternary rhythm protocol on cognition, mental activity, daily life, and quality of life among individuals with Parkinson's Disease. A two-arm randomized clinical trial with 31 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, who were allocated to the binary group or quaternary group. Both groups underwent a 12-week intervention. The following variables were analyzed: personal and clinical information; MoCA; UPDRSI and II; PDQ-39. Both intervention groups improved cognition, mental activity, activities of daily living, and quality of life. In addition, there were intergroup differences in total UPDRSII, writing, and hygiene where the quaternary group was superior to the binary group. It concludes that the binary and quaternary rhythm positively influenced and presented similar effects on the complementary treatment of individuals with Parkinson's disease on the studied variables. Thus, it is believed that both interventions are possible and feasible for the health professionals involved in the area.

The impact of Brazilian samba on balance and quality of life of individuals with Parkinson's disease / O impacto do samba brasileiro no equilíbrio e na qualidade de vida de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson

This non-randomized clinical trial aimed to analyze the impact of the Brazilian samba training protocol on the balance and quality of life of people with Parkinson's disease. Forty-seven individuals participated, with a mean age of 68 ± 9.3 years-old, 24 from the control group (CG) and 23 from the experimental group (EG). The CG was formed by those who did not participate in the interven-tion, and the EG by individuals who participated in the Brazilian samba dance protocol. This study was divided into pre-intervention (before 12 weeks) and post-intervention (after 12 weeks) with a questionnaire consisting of: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE); Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS); Quality of life (PDQ-39); Berg's Balance Scale; Perception of perceived changes. The results point to a significant improvement after the intervention in the UPDRS (p < 0.001) and balance (p = 0.006) of the EG; in the quality of life of the EG after intervention in the mobility (p = 0.009) and total (p = 0.034) domains; and in the post-intervention period in the cog-nitive (p = 0.025) and communication (p = 0.032) domains of the EG and CG. Thus, it is concluded that the Brazilian samba rhythm has been shown to be effective in improving the total UPDRS, balance and quality of life, as well as in mobility, cognition and communication

Esse ensaio clínico não randomizado teve como objetivo analisar o impacto do protocolo de treinamento de samba brasileiro no equilíbrio e na qualidade de vida de pessoas com a doença de Parkinson. Participaram quarenta e sete indivíduos, média de idade de 68 ± 9,3 anos, 24 do grupo controle (GC) e 23 do grupo experimental (GE). O GC foi formado por aqueles que não participaram da intervenção, e o GE por indivíduos que participaram do protocolo de dança do samba brasileiro. Este estudo foi dividido em pré-intervenção (antes das 12 semanas) e pós-intervenção (após as 12 semanas) com um questionário composto por: Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM); Escala Unificada de Avaliação de Doença de Parkinson (UPDRS); Qualidade de vida (PDQ-39); Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg; Percepção das mudanças percebidas. Os resul-tados apontam para uma melhora significativa após a intervenção no UPDRS (p < 0,001) e equilíbrio (p = 0,006) do GE; na qualidade de vida do GE pós intervenção nos dominios mobilidade (p = 0,009) e total (p = 0,034); e no período pós intervenção nos domínios cognitivos (p = 0,025) e comunicação (p = 0,032) do GE e GC. Desta forma conclui-se que o ritmo samba brasileiro tem se mostrado eficaz na melhora do UPDRS total, do equilíbrio e da qualidade de vida, como na mobilidade, cognição e comunicação

Hand Function as Predictor of Motor Symptom Severity in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) leads to deficits in upper limb strength and manual dexterity and consequently resulting in functional impairment. Handgrip strength is correlated with the motor symptom severity of the disease, but there is a gap in the literature about the influence of freezing in PD patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to study the correlation between handgrip strength and motor symptom severity considering the freezing phenomenon and to verify variables that can predict Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III. METHODS: This is a multicenter cross-sectional study in PD. 101 patients were divided into 2 groups: freezing of gait (FOG) (n = 51) and nonfreezing (nFOG) (n = 52). Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOGQ); UPDRS II and III sections; Hoehn and Yahr (HY) scale; handgrip dynamometry (HD); 9 Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) were assessed. RESULTS: In both groups, HD was correlated to UPDRS III (nFOG: -0.308; FOG: -0.301), UPDRS total (nFOG: -0.379; FOG: -0.368), UPDRS item 23 (nFOG: -0.404; FOG: -0.605), and UPDRS item 24 (nFOG: -0.405; FOG: -0.515). For the correlation to UPDRS II (0.320) and 9-HPT (-0.323), only nFOG group presented significance. For the UPDRS 25 (-0.437), only FOG group presented statistical significance. The UPDRS III can be predicted by 9-HPT, age, and HY in nFOG patients (Adjusted R2 = 0.416). In FOG group, UPDRS III can be predicted by HD, 9-HPT, age, and HY (Adjusted R2 = 0.491). CONCLUSION: Handgrip strength showed to be predictive of motor impairment only in the FOG group. Our results showed clinical profile differences of motor symptoms considering freezers and nonfreezers with PD.

Measurement properties from the Brazilian Portuguese version of the QUIP-RS.

Parkinson's disease (PD) has numerous motor and non-motor symptoms. Among non-motor manifestations impulse control disorders (ICDs) stand out. ICDs include compulsions for gambling, shopping, eating, and sexual behavior, and "related disorders" such as hobbyism, simple motor activities, and dopamine dysregulation syndrome. There is no rating scale translated and adapted transculturally into Brazilian Portuguese language. Therefore, we cross-culturally adapted and investigated the measurement properties of the Brazilian version of the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease-Rating Scale (QUIP-RS). Fifty-three patients participated in the study. Inter-evaluator and test-retest (patient and health professional) reliabilities (intraclass correlation coefficient) were all excellent (0.93, 0.93, and 0.99). The internal consistency was high (α = 0.92). The Minimal detectable change (MDC) value was 5.8 (patient) and 2.3 (health professional) points. There was a floor, but no ceiling, effect. In summary, the Brazilian version of the QUIP-RS has high reliability and content validity.

Feasibility of a Brazilian samba protocol for patients with Parkinson's disease: a clinical non-randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of a Brazilian samba protocol in individuals with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Twenty participants, mean age of 66.4±10.7 years, diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson 's disease, divided into: experimental group that received the intervention of Brazilian samba dance classes (10 individuals); and control group that maintained their routine activities (10 individuals). For data collection, a divided questionnaire was used: General Information; Disability stages scale; Balance and Quality of Life. RESULTS: During class implementation, there were no falls, as all dance activities adhered to the details of the protocol steps without any changes. On average, patients completed 82.7% of activities. After 12 weeks, the experimental group had improvements in the UPDRS global score, in daily activities, and on motor examination. There was also improvement in balance scores and in the mobility domain of the quality of life in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: The samba protocol seems to be feasible and safe for patients with PD. Moreover, it has pleasant characteristics and offers sufficient physical benefits for combination with drug treatment. There were also benefits in social relationships and as a possible rehabilitation tool in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

The impact of brazilian samba on parkinson's disease: analysis by the disease subtypes / O impacto do samba brasileiro na doença de parkinson: análise através dos subtipos da doença / El impacto del samba brasileño en la enfermedad de parkinson: análisis a través de los subtipos de la enfermedad

ABSTRACT Introduction: People with Parkinson's disease constantly have low levels of physical activity. Dancing has become increasingly important for treating the disease and can help improve non-motor symptoms. Objective: To analyze the influence of Brazilian samba on the non-motor symptoms of PD according to TD and PGID subtypes. Methods: A 12-week, non-randomized clinical trial, through comparison with a control group. The 23 individuals who agreed to participate in the activities formed the experimental group (EG) and the 24 individuals who opted not to participate in the Brazilian samba classes comprised the control group (CG). A questionnaire was applied, composed of validated instruments. Mini Mental State Examination - MMSE; HY - Disability Scale; Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale - UPDRS 1 and total values; Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire - PDQ-39, Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale - PDSS; Beck Depression Inventory - BDI; Fatigue Severity Scale - FSS and Magnitude of Perceived Changes. Results: After the twelve weeks of intervention, it was observed that the EG showed improvement in the scores of all the tests. The comparison between groups, however, indicated a significant difference in the post-UPDRS1 period in which the EG presented improvement in cognitive impairment, while the CG presented a deficit in these values. The results of the division between disease subtypes show a greater change in the values between individuals of the TD group, when comparing the EG with the CG. For the EG, the greatest difference between pre- and post- intervention was fatigue. Conclusion: There was a positive trend in all the variables studied after the application of the protocol. This demonstrates that interventions such as dance may have greater effects on non-motor symptoms, depending on the expected progression of the disease. The scarcity of studies that use this approach in their analyses may explain the lack of evidence in this symptomatology related to dance. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Investigating the results of treatment.

RESUMO Introdução: As pessoas com doença de Parkinson constantemente apresentam baixos níveis de atividade física. A dança tem se tornado cada vez mais importante para o tratamento da doença e pode ajudar a melhorar os sintomas não motores. Objetivo: Analisar a influência do samba brasileiro nos sintomas não motores da DP, segundo os subtipos TD e PGID. Métodos: Ensaio clínico não randomizado com duração de 12 semanas por meio de comparação com grupo controle. Os 23 indivíduos que aceitaram participar das atividades formaram o grupo experimental (GE) e os 24 indivíduos que optaram por não participar das aulas de dança brasileira formaram o grupo controle (GC). Um questionário foi aplicado, composto por instrumentos validados: Mini Exame do Estado Mental - MEEM; HY - Escala de Grau de Incapacidade; Escala Unificada de Avaliação da Doença de Parkinson - UPDRS 1 e valores totais; Questionário sobre a Doença de Parkinson - PDQ-39; Escala de Sono para a Doença de Parkinson - PDSS; Inventário de Depressão de Beck - BDI; Escala de Severidade de Fadiga - FSS e Magnitude das Alterações Percebidas. Resultados: Após doze semanas de intervenção, observou-se que o GE apresentou melhora nos escores de todos os testes. A comparação entre os grupos, no entanto, indicou uma diferença significativa no período pós-UPDRS1 em que o GE apresentou melhora no comprometimento cognitivo, enquanto o GC apresentou déficit nesses valores. Os resultados da divisão entre os subtipos da doença apresentam uma maior mudança nos valores entre os indivíduos do grupo TD ao comparar o GE com o GC. Em relação ao GE, a maior diferença entre a pré e pós-intervenção foi relacionada à fadiga. Conclusão: Houve tendência positiva em todas as variáveis estudadas após a aplicação do protocolo. Isso demonstra que intervenções como a dança podem ter maiores efeitos sobre os sintomas não motores, dependendo da progressão esperada da doença. A escassez de estudos que utilizam essa abordagem em suas análises pode explicar a falta de evidências nessa sintomatologia relacionadas à dança. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos-Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las personas con enfermedad de Parkinson constantemente presentan bajos niveles de actividad física. La danza se ha vuelto cada vez más importante para el tratamiento de la enfermedad y puede ayudar a mejorar los síntomas no motores. Objetivo: Analizar la influencia del samba brasileño en los síntomas no motores de la EP, según los subtipos TD y PGID. Métodos: Ensayo clínico no aleatorizado con duración de 12 semanas, por medio de comparación con grupo control. Los 23 individuos que aceptaron participar en las actividades formaron el grupo experimental (GE) y los 24 individuos que optaron por no participar en las clases de danza brasileña formaron el grupo control (GC). Fue aplicado un cuestionario, compuesto por instrumentos validados: Mini Examen del Estado Mental - MEEM; HY - Escala del Grado de Incapacidad; Escala unificada de evaluación de la Enfermedad de Parkinson - UPDRS 1 y valores totales; Cuestionario sobre la Enfermedad de Parkinson - PDQ-39; Escala de Sueño de la Enfermedad de Parkinson - PDSS; Inventario de Depresión de Beck - BDI; Escala de Severidad de la Fatiga - FSS y Magnitud de las Alteraciones Percibidas. Resultados: Después de doce semanas de intervención, se observó que el GE presentó una mejora en los puntajes de todos los tests. La comparación entre los grupos, sin embargo, indicó una diferencia significativa en el período post-UPDRS1 en que el GE presentó una mejora en el compromiso cognitivo, mientras que el GC presentó déficit en esos valores. Los resultados de la división entre los subtipos de la enfermedad presentan un mayor cambio en los valores entre los individuos del grupo TD al comparar el GE con el GC. Con relación al GE, la mayor diferencia encontrada entre la pre y post intervención fue relacionada a la fatiga. Conclusión: Hubo tendencia positiva en todas las variables estudiadas después de la aplicación del protocolo. Eso demuestra que intervenciones como la danza pueden tener mayores efectos sobre los síntomas no motores, dependiendo de la progresión esperada de la enfermedad. La escasez de estudios que utilizan ese abordaje en sus análisis, puede explicar la falta de evidencias en esa sintomatología cuando relacionadas a la danza. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Feasibility of a Brazilian samba protocol for patients with Parkinson's disease: a clinical non-randomized study / Viabilidade de um protocolo de samba brasileiro em pacientes com doença de Parkinson: ensaio clínico não-randomizado

Abstract Background: New protocols applied in the rehabilitation of Parkinson's disease enable different action strategies for health professionals, as well as a new range of activities for these individuals. However, no valid samba protocol with activity prescription for this population was found in the literature. Objective: To investigate the feasibility of a Brazilian samba protocol in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Methods: Twenty participants, mean age of 66.4±10.7 years, diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson 's disease, divided into: experimental group that received the intervention of Brazilian samba dance classes (10 individuals); and control group that maintained their routine activities (10 individuals). For data collection, a divided questionnaire was used: General Information; Disability stages scale; Balance and Quality of Life. Results: During class implementation, there were no falls, as all dance activities adhered to the details of the protocol steps without any changes. On average, patients completed 82.7% of activities. After 12 weeks, the experimental group had improvements in the UPDRS global score, in daily activities, and on motor examination. There was also improvement in balance scores and in the mobility domain of the quality of life in the experimental group. Conclusion: The samba protocol seems to be feasible and safe for patients with PD. Moreover, it has pleasant characteristics and offers sufficient physical benefits for combination with drug treatment. There were also benefits in social relationships and as a possible rehabilitation tool in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Resumo Fundamentos: Novos protocolos aplicados na reabilitação da doença de Parkinson possibilitam diferentes estratégias de atuação para profissionais de saúde, além de um novo leque de atividades para estes indivíduos. Entretanto, não se encontrou na literatura qualquer protocolo de samba com prescrição de atividades validado para esta população. Objetivo: O objetivo foi verificar a viabilidade de um protocolo de samba brasileiro em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson. Métodos: Vinte participantes, com idade média de 66,4±10,7 anos, com diagnóstico de doença de Parkinson idiopática divididos em: grupo experimental que recebeu a intervenção das aulas de dança - samba brasileiro (10 indivíduos); e grupo controle que manteve as suas atividades rotineiras (10 indivíduos). Para a coleta dos dados foi utilizado um questionário dividido: Informações Gerais; Escala de estágios de Incapacidade; Equilíbrio e Qualidade de Vida. Resultados: Durante a realização das aulas, não houve quedas, todas as atividades de dança aderiram aos detalhes das etapas do protocolo, sem quaisquer alterações, e os pacientes completaram, em média, 82,7% das atividades. Após 12 semanas, o grupo experimental apresentou melhoras no escore global da escala UPDRS, em atividades de vida diária e no exame motor. Houve também melhora nos escores de equilíbrio e no domínio de mobilidade da qualidade de vida do grupo experimental. Conclusão: A utilização de um protocolo de samba para indivíduos com doença de Parkinson mostrou-se viável, por sua característica segura e prazerosa, e por apresentar benefícios físicos suficientes para combinação com o tratamento medicamentoso. Houve também benefícios nas relações sociais e como uma possível ferramenta de reabilitação em indivíduos com a doença de Parkinson.

The effects of dual task gait and balance training in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.

In patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), the ability to perform simultaneous tasks may be impaired. However, there is no consensus as to whether the strategy of use dual task (DT) should be used with PD patients during gait and balance training because DT can increase the risk of falls. Therefore, it is necessary to critically analyze the relevant studies and evaluate the indications for the use of DT and its effects as a therapeutic strategy. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the effects of DT gait and balance training in individuals with PD. A total of 602 studies were found. After applying the eligibility criteria, seven studies were selected (three clinical trials, one uncontrolled clinical trial, and three pilot studies). Despite the poor methodological quality, the studies indicated the use of DT during gait and balance training may be beneficial for people with mild to moderate PD in compare of single-task or no intervention. The use of DT during training presented benefits related to gait (gait speed, step length and cadence) and balance (mediolateral and anteroposterior balance in closed-eyes tests). The current scenario shows that using DT in the training seems not to be harmful and could be part of the rehabilitation of PD patients. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the findings, and it would be the most importance that these studies stratify individuals with degrees of disease severity to verify the effect of using the DT during training.

Functional Recovery Occurs Even After Partial Remyelination of Axon-Meshed Median and Ulnar Nerves in Mice.

Upper limb nerve injuries are common, and their treatment poses a challenge for physicians and surgeons. Experimental models help in minimum exploration of the functional characteristics of peripheral nerve injuries of forelimbs. This study was conducted to characterize the functional recovery (1, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days) after median and ulnar nerve crush in mice and analyze the histological and biochemical markers of nerve regeneration (after 21 days). Sensory-functional impairments appeared after 1 day. The peripheral nerve morphology, the nerve structure, and the density of myelin proteins [myelin protein zero (P0) and peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22)] were analyzed after 21 days. Cold allodynia and fine motor coordination recovery occurred on the 10th day, and grip strength recovery was observed on the 14th day after injury. After 21 days, there was partial myelin sheath recovery. PMP22 recovery was complete, whereas P0 recovery was not. Results suggest that there is complete functional recovery even with partial remyelination of median and ulnar nerves in mice.

Overground gait training promotes functional recovery and cortical neuroplasticity in an incomplete spinal cord injury model.

AIM: Evidence suggests that task-specific gait training improves locomotor impairments in people with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI); however, plastic changes in brain areas remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the possible effects of a task-specific overground gait training on locomotor recovery and neuroplasticity markers in the cortex, cerebellum, and lumbar spinal cord in an experimental model of incomplete-SCI. MAIN METHODS: Using a blind, basic experimental design, 24 adult Wistar rats underwent a surgical procedure and were allocated into sham, non-trained SCI (SCI), and trained SCI (Tr-SCI) groups. On postoperative day 14, trained animals started a 4-week overground gait training program. All groups were subjected to weekly assessment of locomotor recovery of the hind limbs. On postoperative day 40, brain and lumbar spinal cord structures were dissected and processed for biochemical analysis of the synaptophysin, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). KEY FINDINGS: Tr-SCI group showed greater locomotor function recovery compared with non-trained SCI from the postoperative day 21 (p < 0.05). The training was able to improve the neuroplasticity markers synaptophysin, MAP-2, and BDNF expressions in motor cortex (p < 0.05), but not in the cerebellum and in the spinal cord for trained SCI group compared to non-trained. SIGNIFICANCE: Task-specific overground gait training improves locomotor recovery in a rat model of incomplete thoracic-SCI. Furthermore, training promotes motor cortex plasticity, evidenced for increasing expression of the neuroplasticity markers that may support the functional recovery.