Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy最新文献

The Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy is pleased to publish the 4 most outstanding abstracts presented at the 7th Brazilian Congress of Neurofunctional Physical Therapy held in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil, September 6 to 9, 2023.

Background and purpose: During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, people with Parkinson disease (PwPD) reported deterioration in health and physical activity. The aim of this study was to describe 1-year changes in physical activity and perceived health in PwPD during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify predictors of sustained physical activity.

Methods: This study compared perceived health and sensor-derived physical activity (Actigraph GT3x) in PwPD between the first (June to July 2020) and third waves (June to July 2021) of the pandemic. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to predict sustained physical activity across the study period using personal factors, disease severity, and functioning as independent variables.

Results: Sixty-three PwPD (mean age 71.0 years, 41% females) completed both baseline and 1-year follow-up (26 lost to follow-up). PwPD showed a decrease in average number of steps per day (Δ415 steps, P = 0.048), moderate-to-vigorous-physical activity (Δ7 minutes, P = 0.007) and increase in sedentary time (Δ36 minutes, P <.001) between baseline and 1-year follow-up. While self-perceived walking impairments and depressive symptoms increased significantly, balance confidence decreased between baseline and 1-year follow-up, no significant changes occurred for self-rated health, quality of life, or anxiety. Significant predictors of sustained physical activity levels were 15 years or more of education (odds ratio [OR] = 7.38, P = 0.013) and higher perceived walking ability (OR = 0.18, P = 0.041).

Discussion and conclusion: Among PwPD with mild to moderate disease severity living in Sweden, factors associated with reduced physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic included older age, lower education levels, and greater perceived walking difficulties.

Background/purpose: Gait impairments in Parkinson disease (PD) contribute to decreased quality of life. This randomized controlled trial examined immediate- and longer-term effects of a single joint robotic exoskeleton device (EXOD), the Honda Walking Assist device, on gait.

Methods: Participants (n = 45) with PD (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3) were randomized to a robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) group (n = 23) or control (CON) group (n = 22). The RAGT group was tested with and without the EXOD at baseline and then received supervised in-home and community training with the EXOD twice weekly for 8 weeks. The CON group received no interventions. Outcome measures included gait speed (primary), gait endurance (6-minute walk test), perceived ease of walking, and questionnaires and logs assessing performance of daily activities, freezing of gait, and daily activity levels.

Results: Forty participants completed the study. No significant immediate impact of EXOD usage on participants' gait measures was found. Differences in gait speed and secondary outcome measures postintervention were not significantly different between the RAGT and CON groups. Participants with greater disease severity (worse baseline motor scores) had greater improvements in stride length during unassisted walking after the intervention than those with lower severity (mean difference: 3.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.05-6.40; P = 0.04).

Discussion and conclusions: All RAGT participants could use the EXOD safely. The RAGT treatment used in this mostly low impairment population of people with PD may be ineffective and/or was insufficiently dosed to see a positive treatment effect. Our findings suggest that RAGT interventions in PD may be more effective in individuals with greater motor impairments.

Background and purpose: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently report low physical activity and psychosocial support due to concerns with transportation, time, finances, access to services, and lack of caregiver support. These barriers can be addressed by online group interventions; however, utility of such programs in individuals with MS has not been examined yet. The purpose of this retrospective study was, therefore, to ( a ) investigate the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of a virtual group exercise program in individuals with MS, and ( b ) explore the participant perceptions after the program.

Methods: Retrospective data from the medical records of 17 individuals with MS (mean [SD] age = 53.5 [12.3] years, body mass index = 28.2 [7.2]) who completed the virtual 13-week group exercise program, pre- and posttraining functional status questionnaires, and the end-of-program feedback were extracted. The exercise program included aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility training components recommended for people with MS. Feasibility, safety, outcomes, and participant perceptions were determined by adherence to the prescribed daily exercise dosage, number of adverse events, within-group differences in self-reported functional status, and thematic analysis of the participant feedback, respectively.

Results: Participants were adherent (79%), reported minimal adverse effects, and demonstrated significant changes ( P < 0.05) in functional status posttraining. Several themes on the perceived barriers, facilitators, and suggestions for improvement were identified.

Discussion and conclusions: A virtual 13-week group exercise program can be feasible, safe, effective, and well received by individuals with MS. Future research should investigate the dose-response effectiveness of telehealth and compare various telehealth models of exercise training using large randomized controlled trials.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A434 , which demonstrates an overview of the study).