Effects of a Nordic Walking program on motor and non-motor symptoms, functional performance and body composition in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Cugusi, Lucia^{a; b; *} | Solla, Paolo^{b; c} | Serpe, Roberto^a | Carzedda, Tatiana^b | Piras, Luisa^b | Oggianu, Marcello^b | Gabba, Silvia^a | Di Blasio, Andrea^d | Bergamin, Marco^e | Cannas, Antonino^c | Marrosu, Francesco^{a; c} | Mercuro, Giuseppe^{a; b}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Medical Sciences ‘M. Aresu’, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy | [b] Adapted Physical Activity Master Degree Course, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy | [c] Movement Disorders Center, Institute of Neurology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy | [d] Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences ‘G. d’Annunzio’, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy | [e] Sport and Exercise Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Dr. Lucia Cugusi, Department of Medical Sciences ‘M. Aresu’, SS 554 bivio per Sestu, 09040 Monserrato, Italy. Tel.: +39 070 6754945; Fax: +39 070 674991; E-mail: lucia.cugusi@tiscali.it

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Several studies have clearly shown that physical exercise can reduce the progression of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). However, little is known about the effects of a Nordic Walking (NW) program in PD patients. OBJECTIVE:To determine the effects of a NW program on motor and non-motor symptoms, functional performances and body composition in PD patients. METHODS:Twenty PD patients (16M, 4F, 67.3±7.8 years) were enrolled and randomly assigned to NW group (NWg, n = 10) and Control group (Cg, n = 10). The training consisted in 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Training effects were assessed by functional and instrumental tests and motor and non-motor symptoms were assessed by UPDRS-III, Hoehn and Yahr scale, PD Fatigue Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Starkstein Apathy Scale, and Non-Motor Symptoms Scale. RESULTS:Significant changes in resting HR, in walked distance (p <  0.05), and in lower limbs muscles strength (p <  0.005) were observed in NWg. Both balance abilities and safety with mobility were increased (p <  0.005). Significant variations in some circumferences and body composition were registered. Finally, a significant improvement in motor and non-motor symptoms was detected: UPDRS-III, HY scale, PFS-16, BDI-II, SAS, NMSS. CONCLUSIONS:A tailored exercise program including NW proved to be an effective way to improve daily activities and both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients.

Keywords: Nordic Walking, Parkinson’s disease, motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms, functional performance, body composition

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-151257

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 245-254, 2015