Effects of a combined aerobic and resistance exercise program on the quality of life and motor function of elderly men with Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is a prevalent chronic neurodegenerative disorder which is characterized by symptoms such as slowed movement, rigid muscles, tremor (shaking) at rest and impaired posture. They can impose serious motor and mental problems to patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of combined aerobic and resistance exercise program on the quality of life and motor function of male with Parkinson's disease. Thirty patients were selected in Isfahan using targeted and convenience sampling method. The patients were divided equally and randomly into two experimental (mean ± SD; age 60.6±6.01year, weight, 73.8±12.1kgand height, 170.2±8.3cm) and control groups (mean ± SD; age 61.9±5.2years, weight, 74.3±12.6kgs and height, 171.2±7.8cm). The experimental group underwent combined exercise program for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week) while the control group had no regular physical activity. The quality of life and motor function were measured using PDQL and UPDRS questionnaires and the data was analyzed using dependent and independent t - tests(P<0.05). There was a significant difference in all sub-scales of the quality of life and motor function of the experimental group before and after the exercise programs (P<0.05) as all variables improved, but no significant difference was observed in the control group (P>0.05). There was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups (P<0.05). It can be concluded that combined exercise program can be recommended for Parkinson's disease patients. © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.