Feasibility and longitudinal effects of repeated participation in an annual, brief and intense exercise program in individuals with Parkinson’s disease: A case report

ABSTRACT

Background

Functional decline is expected over time in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Intense exercise (RPE ≥ 5–7/10), incorporating motor learning principles, may be beneficial. Purpose:The purpose of this case report is to describe the feasibility and longitudinal effects after individuals with PD participated in multiple, 3.5-day, intensive exercise programs called Movement Camp (Camp).

Methods

Developed based on the principles of skill, capacity, and motivation, the Camp was offered four times (spring 2014-spring 2017) over the course of three years. Camp consisted of 3.5 days, with approximately 5.5 hours of exercise per day. The four participants on whom we are reporting were selected because they participated in three or more Camps, thus providing longitudinal data. Participants rotated through high-intensity, one-hour exercise stations targeting balance, endurance, gait, upper extremity function and three 30-minute group training sessions. Balance (Mini-BESTest), endurance (six-minute walk test), gait speed, and function (five times sit-to-stand) were examined.

Results

Testing was completed prior to, post, and six weeks post intervention. Over three years, participants maintained or improved performance on most measures.

Conclusion

The outcomes of this case report suggest that brief, intensive exercise based on motor learning principles is feasible and may maintain or improve function in persons with PD over three years.

KEYWORDS:

• Parkinson disease
• intensive exercise
• motor learning

Acknowledgments

The Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy provided a grant to partially support this project. The authors would like to thank Dr. Carol Leiper for her many contributions to this work. Aspects of the project described in this case report have been presented in poster format at APTA’s CSM.

Disclosure statement

No authors have conflicts of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy [no number given].