Body Balance and Core Training in Parkinson’s Disease: A Longitudinal Crossover Study

Objective: The objective of this study was to verify the effects of two different training protocols based on Core Stability and Body Balance exercises in subjects with Parkinsons’s Disease. Methods: Eight elderly men with PD (age of 73 ± 9 years, weight 69 ± 16 kg, height 164 ± 13 cm, 2 ± 1 of Disability Score according to Hoehn and Yahr scale). The disability score was evaluated using Hoehn and Yahr scale. This study was 12-month-long organized in 3 blocks of 4 months each. The sample was divided in two groups formed by 4 subjects each group. During the first four months, one group performed core stability exercises (CSG) while the other group exercised itself through a Balance Exercises Program (BG). After this first part of the study both protocols were stopped for the following 4 months. Finally, the group were reversed (counter balance design) for the last 4 months of physical activity. The two groups were measured twice, before (T0) and after the treatment (T1). Both treatments were designed in order to investigate the improvement in core muscles performance in order to grant a better balance control and to reduce the risk of falling. Results: statistically significant variations were found in the flight time of Sit-to-Stand (p < 0.05, +27%) and in the step length (p < 0.05, ?3%). In the CSG group, statistically significant variations were detected in Speed of Steps (p < 0.05, +5%), Step Cadence (p < 0.05, +3%), and Left Stride Duration (p < 0.05, ?3%) (Table 1). Conclusion: Both Body Balance and Core training can be considered two good physical exercise methods for people with PD. This study highlights the positive effects of this training protocol on legs strength improvements and on the balance control while walking.