Brugghemans (2011) Parkinson gait balance endurance (dutch)

Introduction

Hydrotherapy, involving therapeutic exercises in water, has emerged as a promising rehabilitation method for various conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aims to explore the potential benefits of hydrotherapy on gait pattern, balance, and endurance in PD patients, specifically those in Hoehn and Yahr stages III and IV.

Methodology

A controlled clinical trial was conducted with participants divided into an intervention group receiving hydrotherapy and a control group. Assessments of gait frequency, balance, and stride length were performed before and after a 5-week intervention period, involving weekly hydrotherapy sessions.

Results

The hydrotherapy group showed significant improvements in balance and gait frequency post-intervention. Comparative analyses between the groups revealed notable enhancements in balance and stride length in the hydrotherapy group, indicating the effectiveness of water-based exercises in mitigating PD-related motor impairments.

Conclusion

While hydrotherapy appears beneficial for PD patients in improving balance and gait, results should be cautiously interpreted due to the potential influence of conventional treatments and non-specific intervention components. Further large-scale research is necessary to confirm these findings and optimize rehabilitation strategies for PD patients.

Keywords: hydrotherapy, Parkinson’s disease, gait pattern, balance, endurance, controlled clinical study