Authors (including presenting author) :
Kwong WY(1), Chan PY(1), Lau MY(1), Tai SY(1), Ip JKW(1), Cheung CT(1), Yeung JHM(2), Chan LWL(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, (2)Department of Medicine, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Parkinson's disease
Keyword 2: :
Physiotherapy
Keyword 3: :
Circuit training
Keyword 6: :
Walking endurance
Introduction :
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neuro-degenerative disease that predisposes patients to gait impairments, eventual postural instability, and an increased risk of fall. Exercise is vital for enhancing motor function and balance in patients with PD. Circuit training, which incorporates various exercises targeting common impairments associated with PD, may promote overall physical fitness and functionality.
Objectives :
This program review aims to evaluate the effect of an 8-week circuit training program on gait speed, endurance and balance in individuals with PD, and to assess the sustainability of these improvements at 6 months post-intervention.
Methodology :
Participants with PD were referred by a neurologist in Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital from 2017 to 2024. The intervention consisted of an 8-week circuit training class, comprising of high-intensity gait training, dual-task training, aerobic exercises, limbs-truncal strengthening exercise and dynamic balance training. Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Ten Meter Walk Test - Self Selected Speed (10MWT-SST), Ten Meter Walk Test - Fastest Speed (10MWT-FS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and 5 Times Sit-to-stand Test (5xSST) were conducted at baseline, immediately post-program and at 6-month post-program. Data were analysed using two-tailed paired t-test.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 51 participants (Male = 53%, Female = 47%; Age range=51 to 80 years old) were recruited. Four participants did not complete the program, four did not return for the 6-month follow-up, and one did not complete the pre-assessment. Significant improvements were found in all physical performance metrics immediately after intervention (6MWT (MD 96.3, p< 0.001, 95% CI 73.1 to 119.5); TUG (MD -3.97, p< 0.001, 95% CI -5.95 to -1.99); 5XSST (MD -6.95, p< 0.01, 95% CI -12 to -1.94); 10MWT-SSS (MD 0.22, p=0.001, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.35); 10MWT-FS (MD 0.23, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.3). At 6-month follow up, significant improvements were found in all physical performance metrics except TUG (6MWT (MD 87.1, p< 0.001, 95% CI 56.9 to 117.4); TUG (MD -4.35, p=0.09, 95% CI -9.41 to 0.7); 5XSST (MD -7.27, p< 0.001, 95% CI -11.3 to -3.21); 10MWT-SSS (MD 0.22, p< 0.001, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.34); 10MWT-FS (MD 0.26, p< 0.001, 95%CI 0.16 to 0.36). Participants improved significantly in walking distance, balance, gait speed from baseline after the 8-week exercise program. These improvements were clinically significant immediately post-program and at the 6-month follow up.
