NEW YORK, Jul 13 (Reuters Health) - Recent research has suggested that
exercise can help people with Parkinson's disease stay mobile. Now investigators
in Japan have found that special treadmill exercises may outdo traditional
physical therapy in helping patients stay active.
A disorder of the central nervous system, Parkinson's disease leaves
patients unable to fully control their movement. The results are frequent
tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance and coordination. According to a report
in the July issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
specialized treadmill workouts might help alleviate these symptoms.
Dr. Ichiro Miyai, of Toneyama National Hospital in Osaka, Japan, led a study
of 10 Parkinson's patients who received both physical therapy and treadmill
training in which the upper body was supported in a harness. This support
relieved the patients of up to 20% of their body weight. The technique,
according to Miyai's team, has shown success in rehabilitation of stroke
patients.
In this study, the Parkinson's patients made greater gains in walking speed
and endurance after the treadmill program than they did following physical
therapy. Physical therapy involved general conditioning exercises and walking.
It is unclear why the weight-supported treadmill exercises work, the
researchers note. The support might compensate for Parkinson's patients' weaker
"push-off" of the leg when walking, the authors suggest.
