Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the brain that affects an individual's ability to perform movements. These patients experience slow movements, resting tremors, stiffness, and poor balance. These impairments in mobility, agility, and executive functioning have a negative impact on their daily activities and overall quality of life.
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease, and management mainly revolves around medication to alleviate symptoms and enable patients to engage in their daily routines. However, these medications can sometimes lead to undesirable side effects, such as involuntary movements. Moreover, individuals with Parkinson's often struggle with initiating movements, resulting in walking difficulties such as shuffling, freezing, and taking faster and smaller steps (festination). Physiotherapy plays a significant role in the multidisciplinary approach to treating these patients. To learn more about it, we spoke to Dr Mohan Krishna J, Consultant Neurologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.
Prevalence of Parkinson's Disease
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the rate of disability and mortality caused by Parkinson's disease is escalating at a faster pace compared to any other neurological disorder worldwide. Over the past 25 years, the prevalence of Parkinson's disease has doubled, indicating a significant rise in the number of affected individuals. Global estimates from 2019 revealed that more than 8.5 million people were living with Parkinson's disease, as per the organisation.
Parkinson's Disease and Physiotherapy
"Physiotherapy plays a significant role in the multidisciplinary approach to treating these patients," said Dr Krishna. He stated that physiotherapists possess expertise in identifying functional limitations and prescribing exercises tailored to address these specific areas and restore normal movement.
He said, "For individuals with Parkinson's, physiotherapy focuses on exercises that enhance strength, flexibility, balance, and overall health. Exercise has been demonstrated to be the only intervention capable of slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease."
He further stated that physiotherapy also addresses transfers, posture, upper limb function, balance, physical capacity, and activity. "Furthermore, cognitive movement and cueing strategies, as well as exercise, are utilised to maintain or increase patients' levels of independence and overall quality of life," he said.
"The medication also plays a crucial role in enabling patients to fully participate in their physiotherapy sessions by optimising brain function for activities such as balance, strength training, and walking," said the doctor.
Parkinson's Specific Exercise Program
A Parkinson's specific exercise program guided by a physiotherapist typically, as recommended by the doctor, includes the following components:
1. Improving balance: Specific exercises and techniques are employed to enhance balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls and promoting confidence in mobility.
2. Improving strength and flexibility: Targeted exercises aim to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, thereby enhancing overall physical performance and range of motion.
3. Increasing the size of movements: Exercises focus on expanding the amplitude of movements, combating the characteristic smaller and restricted movements associated with Parkinson's.
4. Improving posture: Physiotherapy interventions address posture abnormalities commonly observed in individuals with Parkinson's, helping to improve alignment and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal complications.
5. Providing strategies to manage freezing gait and other changes: Physiotherapists offer techniques and cues to help patients overcome freezing episodes during walking and cope with other gait alterations associated with Parkinson's.
Also Read: Addressing Mental Health In Parkinson's Disease Management
Conclusion
By implementing a comprehensive physiotherapy program, individuals with Parkinson's can experience improved functional abilities, enhanced mobility, and an enhanced overall quality of life. The combination of medication and targeted exercise can maximise the benefits of therapy, allowing patients to regain control over their movements and engage in daily activities more effectively.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided by a registered medical practitioner. However, we recommend you consult your healthcare provider for a thorough diagnosis and treatment.]
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