scholarly journals Active Theater as a Complementary Therapy for Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 2301-2313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Modugno ◽  
Sara Iaconelli ◽  
Mariagrazia Fiorlli ◽  
Francesco Lena ◽  
Imogen Kusch ◽  
...  

Most medical treatments of Parkinson's disease (PD) are aimed at the reduction of motor symptoms. However, even when motor improvements are evident, patients often report a deterioration of their daily lives. Thus, to achieve a global improvement in personal well-being, not only drugs, but also complementary therapies, such as physical exercise, occupational and speech therapy, and active music therapy, have been used. We hypothesized that theater could reduce clinical disability and improve the quality of life of PD patients (primary end points) more efficiently than other complementary therapies because (1) in order to impersonate a character, patients are forced to regain the control of their bodies; and (2) while being part of a group, patients have a high degree of social interaction. The need to regain the control of their bodies and their social functioning is very likely to deeply motivate patients. To assess this hypothesis, we ran a randomized, controlled, and single-blinded study that lasted 3 years, on 20 subjects affected by a moderate form of idiopathic PD, in stable treatment with L-dopa and L-dopa agonists, and without severe sensory deficits. Ten patients were randomly assigned to an active theater program (in which patients were required to participate), while the others underwent physiotherapy (control group), the most common nonpharmacological treatment for PD rehabilitation. Patients of both groups were evaluated at the beginning of each year, using five clinical rating scales (Unified ParkinsonParkinson'ss Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS], Schwab and England Scale, ParkinsonParkinson'ss Disease Quality of Life [PDQ39] Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). The theater patients showed progressive improvements and, at the end of the third year, they showed significant improvements in all clinical scales. Conversely, the control patients did not exhibit significant ameliorations with time. Thus, the present study provides the first scientific evidence that active theater, coupled with conventional medical treatments, represents a valid complementary therapeutic intervention for PD treatment.

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glória Maria Almeida Souza Tedrus ◽  
Lineu Correa Fonseca ◽  
Patrícia Mencaroni Kange

Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic disease manifested principally by motor signs and symptoms, but with frequent neuropsychological alterations. Objectives: To study the relationship between clinical and cognitive aspects and the perception of quality of life (QOL) in PD patients. Methods: Twenty consecutive patients (13 men) with idiopathic PD (mean age: 64.5y), mean disease time of 7.8 years and at stages 1-3 according to the modified Hoehn and Yahr staging scale (HYS), all outpatients from the Neurology Department of the Celso Pierro General and Maternity Hospital (PUC-Campinas), were analyzed. The following were applied: a clinical-neurological assessment, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), standard neuropsychological battery of the CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and a QOL questionnaire (Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire - PDQ-39). Statistical analysis was carried out at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: On the PDQ-39 under the sections total, mobility and activities of daily living, and the items motor compromise (HYS) and language of the MMSE were predictors of worse QOL. Verbal fluency was a factor for emotional well-being on the PDQ-39, whereas higher scores for HAM-D and worse performance on the item attention and calculation of the MMSE were associated with worse QOL in the social support section. Total score on the MMSE and educational level were QOL factors in cognition Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggest that clinical, cognitive, motor or other depression-related factors contribute differently to the domains of QOL.


Author(s):  
Francesca Morgante ◽  
Valentina Oppo ◽  
Margherita Fabbri ◽  
Enrica Olivola ◽  
Chiara Sorbera ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Levodopa–Carbidopa Intrajejunal gel (LCIG) infusion is an effective intervention for people with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although age may not be a limiting factor for LCIG implant, no data are available on late elderly PD (LE-PD) subjects. In this cross-sectional, we aimed to demonstrate if older age may impact on quality of life (QoL), motor and non-motor symptoms severity, and profile of side effects in PD treated with LCIG. Methods Out of 512 PD subjects treated with LCIG at 9 Italian PD centers, we selected 25 LE-PD defined as age ≥ 80 years at last follow-up who were available to attend the study visit. Twenty-five PD patients (Control-PD, defined as age < 75 years at last follow-up) matched to LE-PD by disease and LCIG duration served as control group. The following motor and non-motor variables were ascertained: quality of life (PDQ-8), time spent in ON, wearing-off Questionnaire, Unified PD Rating Scale, freezing of gait questionnaire, Parkinson’s disease sleep scale-2, Non Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS), and MOCA. Results No statistically significant differences were found between LE-PD and Control-PD on PDQ-8 and several motor and non-motor variables. LE-PD had less frequent and milder impulsive–compulsive behaviors and milder dyskinesia. At multivariable regression, worse quality of life was associated with UPDRS-III and NMSS scores but not to age at study visit and age at LICG implant. Rate of adverse effects was similar in both groups. Drop-out rate calculated in the whole PD cohort was comparable between the two groups. Conclusion Our data provide evidence that valuable LCIG infusion might be achieved in late elderly PD.


2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 131-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kingston Rajiah ◽  
Mari Kannan Maharajan ◽  
Si Jen Yeen ◽  
Sara Lew

Aim: This study focused on the impact of the clinical features on the quality of life (QoL) of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and of their caregivers. Methods: This study included PD patients along with their caregivers and was undertaken at the Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association from June 2016 to November 2016. Clinical features of PD patients were assessed using the Movement Disorder Society revised Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale; the Hoehn and Yahr stage and the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale were used to assess the severity and the ability of PD patients respectively. QoL of PD patients was measured using the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39). The revised version of the Zarit Burden Interview assessed caregiver burden. Results: At least one of the clinical features affected PD patients' QoL, and at least one of the QoL domains affected the caregivers' burden. Clinical features “saliva and drooling” and “dyskinesia” explained 29% of variance in QoL of PD patients. The QoL domains “stigma,” along with “emotional well-being” explained 48.6% of variance in caregivers' burden. Conclusions: The clinical features “saliva and drooling” and “dyskinesia” impacted the QoL of PD patients, and the QoL domains “stigma” and “emotional well-being” of PD patients impacted their caregivers' burden.


2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 419-424
Author(s):  
I. A. Zhukova ◽  
N. G. Zhukova ◽  
V. M. Alifirova ◽  
M. A. Nikitina ◽  
O. P. Izhboldina ◽  
...  

Background. The occurrence of emotional, cognitive, behavioral disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease is on the average 1.5-3 times higher than in the general population of the same age. At least one neuropsychiatric symptom is diagnosed in 77% of the patients and 46% have combination of three or more disturbances. Non-motor disturbances are manifested at all stages of Parkinson’s disease, but information about the relationship between their frequency and manifestations and the duration and severity of the disease is rather contradictory. Aim. To evaluate the prevalence and severity of depression and other non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Materials and methods. 206 patients at the average age 65.9±9.7 yr with Parkinson’s disease receiving pharmacotherapy were studied. The clinical assessment was carried out using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Hoehn & Yahr Scale, Beck depression inventory II, Hospital anxiety and depression scale, Apathy Scale, Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in PD-Rating Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Parkinson’s Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire- 39, Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form. Results. 30.9% of the 62 patients with Parkinson’s disease suffered mild, 56 (27.4%) moderate, 21 (10.2%) severe depression and only 67 (32.5%) patients had no depression. The study revealed correlation of depression with apathy (r=0,488; p<0,001), low quality of life according to the PDQ-39 (r=0,471; p<0,001), cognition (r=0,451; p<0,001), emotional well-being (r=0,450; p≤0,001), anxiety (r=0,436; p<0,001). Conclusion. The prevalence of depression in patients with Parkinson’s disease is up to 67.5%. The proportion of patients with severe depression reaches 10.2%. Depression is one of the most frequent non-motor syndromes of Parkinson’s disease deteriorating the quality of life of the patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 771
Author(s):  
Fany Chuquilín-Arista ◽  
Tania Álvarez-Avellón ◽  
Manuel Menéndez-González

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms. Depression and anxiety are common manifestations in PD and may be determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study is to determine the association of depression and anxiety with the dimensions of HRQoL in subjects with PD enrolled in an association of patients. Ninety-five community-based patients with PD diagnosis at different disease stages were studied. HRQoL was assessed using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39); depression and anxiety were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), respectively. Our results showed that depression and anxiety were negatively associated with HRQoL measured by PDSI. Higher motor dysfunction measured by Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) staging was also associated with worse HRQoL. Depression was the most influential variable in the model. All PDQ-39 dimensions except social support and bodily discomfort were associated with depression. Anxiety was associated with the emotional well-being and bodily discomfort dimensions. These results suggest that physicians should pay attention to the presence of psychiatric symptoms and treat them appropriately.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Péron ◽  
Philippe Voruz ◽  
Jordan Pierce ◽  
Kévin Ahrweiller ◽  
Claire Haegelen ◽  
...  

Abstract Risk factors for long-term non-motor disorders and quality of life following subthalamic nucleus deep-brain stimulation (STN DBS) have not yet been fully identified. In the present study, we investigated the impact of motor symptom asymmetry in Parkinson’s disease.Data were extracted for 52 patients with Parkinson’s disease (half with left-sided motor symptoms and half with right-sided ones) who underwent bilateral STN and a matched healthy control group. Performances for cognitive tests and neuropsychiatric and quality-of-life questionnaires at 12 months post-DBS were compared with a pre-DBS baseline. Results indicated a deterioration in cognitive performance post-DBS in patients with left-sided motor symptoms. Performances of patients with right-sided motor symptoms were maintained, except for a verbal executive task. These differential effects had an impact on patients’ quality of life. The results highlight the existence of two distinct cognitive profiles of Parkinson’s disease, depending on motor symptom asymmetry. This asymmetry is a potential risk factor for non-motor adverse effects following STN DBS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 533-544
Author(s):  
Petra Pohl ◽  
Ewa Wressle ◽  
Fredrik Lundin ◽  
Paul Enthoven ◽  
Nil Dizdar

Objective: To evaluate a group-based music intervention in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Design: Parallel group randomized controlled trial with qualitative triangulation. Setting: Neurorehabilitation in primary care. Subjects: Forty-six patients with Parkinson’s disease were randomized into intervention group ( n = 26), which received training with the music-based intervention, and control group ( n = 20) without training. Interventions: The intervention was delivered twice weekly for 12 weeks. Main measures: Primary outcome was Timed-Up-and-Go subtracting serial 7’s (dual-task ability). Secondary outcomes were cognition, balance, concerns about falling, freezing of gait, and quality of life. All outcomes were evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, and three months post-intervention. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with the intervention group and with the delivering physiotherapists. Results: No between-group differences were observed for dual-task ability. Between-group differences were observed for Falls Efficacy Scale (mean difference (MD) = 6.5 points; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.0 to 10.0, P = 0.001) and for Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39 items (MD = 8.3; 95% CI = 2.7 to 13.8, P = 0.005) when compared to the control group post-intervention, but these were not maintained at three months post-intervention. Three themes were derived from the interviews: Expectations versus Results, Perspectives on Treatment Contents, and Key Factors for Success. Conclusion: Patient-reported outcomes and interviews suggest that the group-based music intervention adds value to mood, alertness, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The study does not support the efficacy in producing immediate or lasting gains in dual-tasking, cognition, balance, or freezing of gait.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Wróbel ◽  
Piotr Wróbel ◽  
Ewa Otfinowska

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive degenerative disease of the central nervous system. The disorder is classified as extra pyramidal system diseases. In order to improve the patient’s condition and increase the level of quality of life, pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation are used to eliminate progressive disability. The help of the surrounding environment affects not only the course of the disease, but above all the emotional well-being of the patient. Family support and its participation in the whole therapeutic process greatly optimize its results. The aim of this work is to present the most important issues regarding kinesiotherapy in Parkinson’s disease and to demonstrate the impact of the involvement of the whole family system on the course and results of therapy. Kinesiotherapy as an element of treatment plays a very important role in the process of improving and adapting the patient to perform daily nursing activities. Kinesiotherapeutic treatments have not only a significant impact on the symptoms occurring in the course of the disease, but also on the overall health. The individual selection of therapy and the involvement of the entire team of therapists is extremely important in eliminating both movement and extrinsic symptoms. The correct implementation of the physiotherapist’s recommendations, the patient’s involvement, as well as the active participation of the patient’s environment, is a condition for the effectiveness of the entire process of maintaining health and fitness. Kinesiotherapy prevents permanent disability and helps maintain the longest possible independence and good quality of life. The involvement of the entire family support system has an impact on the results of the therapy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 202-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Menashe Zaaroor ◽  
Alon Sinai ◽  
Dorith Goldsher ◽  
Ayelet Eran ◽  
Maria Nassar ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThalamotomy of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is effective in alleviating medication-resistant tremor in patients with essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's disease (PD). MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an innovative technology that enables noninvasive thalamotomy via thermal ablation.METHODSPatients with severe medication-resistant tremor underwent unilateral VIM thalamotomy using MRgFUS. Effects on tremor were evaluated using the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST) in patients with ET and by the motor part of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) in patients with PD and ET-PD (defined as patients with ET who developed PD many years later). Quality of life in ET was measured by the Quality of Life in Essential Tremor (QUEST) questionnaire and in PD by the PD Questionnaire (PDQ-39).RESULTSThirty patients underwent MRgFUS, including 18 with ET, 9 with PD, and 3 with ET-PD. The mean age of the study population was 68.9 ± 8.3 years (range 46–87 years) with a mean disease duration of 12.1 ± 8.9 years (range 2–30 years). MRgFUS created a lesion at the planned target in all patients, resulting in cessation of tremor in the treated hand immediately following treatment. At 1 month posttreatment, the mean CRST score of the patients with ET decreased from 40.7 ± 11.6 to 9.3 ± 7.1 (p < 0.001) and was 8.2 ± 5.0 six months after treatment (p < 0.001, compared with baseline). Average QUEST scores decreased from 44.8 ± 12.9 to 13.1 ± 13.2 (p < 0.001) and was 12.3 ± 7.2 six months after treatment (p < 0.001). In patients with PD, the mean score of the motor part of the UPDRS decreased from 24.9 ± 8.0 to 16.4 ± 11.1 (p = 0.042) at 1 month and was 13.4 ± 9.2 six months after treatment (p = 0.009, compared with baseline). The mean PDQ-39 score decreased from 38.6 ± 16.8 to 26.1 ± 7.2 (p = 0.036) and was 20.6 ± 8.8 six months after treatment (p = 0.008). During follow-up of 6–24 months (mean 11.5 ± 7.2 months, median 12.0 months), tremor reappeared in 6 of the patients (2 with ET, 2 with PD, and 2 with ET-PD), to a lesser degree than before the procedure in 5. Adverse events that transiently occurred during sonication included headache (n = 11), short-lasting vertigo (n = 14) and dizziness (n = 4), nausea (n = 3), burning scalp sensation (n = 3), vomiting (n = 2) and lip paresthesia (n = 2). Adverse events that lasted after the procedure included gait ataxia (n = 5), unsteady feeling (n = 4), taste disturbances (n = 4), asthenia (n = 4), and hand ataxia (n = 3). No adverse event lasted beyond 3 months. Patients underwent on average 21.0 ± 6.9 sonications (range 14–45 sonications) with an average maximal sonication time of 16.0 ± 3.0 seconds (range 13–24 seconds). The mean maximal energy reached was 12,500 ± 4274 J (range 5850–23,040 J) with a mean maximal temperature of 56.5° ± 2.2°C (range 55°–60°C).CONCLUSIONSMRgFUS VIM thalamotomy to relieve medication-resistant tremor was safe and effective in patients with ET, PD, and ET-PD. Current results emphasize the superior adverse events profile of MRgFUS over other surgical approaches for treating tremor with similar efficacy. Large randomized studies are needed to assess prolonged efficacy and safety.


2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Ribeiro Artigas ◽  
Vera Lúcia Widniczck Striebel ◽  
Arlete Hilbig ◽  
Carlos Roberto de Mello Rieder

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that can dramatically impair patient quality of life (QoL). Objective: To analyze the QoL, motor capacity, depression, anxiety and social phobia of individuals who attended a patient support group (PSG) compared to non-participants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. The sample consisted of 20 individuals with PD who attended a PSG and another 20 PD patients who did not attend a support group for PD patients, serving as the control group (nPSG). All patients answered questionnaires on motor capacity (UPDRS), QoL (Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire- PDQ-39), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory) and social phobia (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale). To determine data distribution, the Shapiro-Wilk test was performed. For comparison of means, Student's t-test was applied. In cases of asymmetry, the Mann-Whitney test was employed. To assess the association between the scales, Pearson's correlation coefficient (symmetric distribution) and Spearman's coefficient (asymmetric distribution) were applied. For the association between qualitative variables, Pearson's Chi-squared test was performed. A significance level of 5% (p≤0.05) was adopted. Results: Individuals in the PSG had a significantly better QoL (p=0.002), and lower depression (p=0.026), anxiety (p<0.001) and social phobia (p=0.01) scores compared to the nPSG. Conclusion: The participation of PD patients in social activities such as support groups is associated with better QoL and fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety and social phobia.


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