Effects of a resistance training program on balance and fatigue perception in patients with Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Fatigue and balance impairment leads to a loss of independence and are important to adequately manage. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a resistance training program on dynamic balance and fatigue in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Patients and methods: Randomized controlled trial. Forty-six patients with PD were randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving a 8-week resistance training program focused on lower limbs or to a control group. Balance was assessed using the Mini-BESTest and fatigue was assessed by the Piper Fatigue Scale.

Results: Patients in the intervention group improved significantly (p<0.05) on dynamic balance (reactive postural control and total values) and perceived fatigue.

Conclusions: An 8-week resistance training program was found to be effective at improving dynamic balance and fatigue in patients with PD.

Keywords: Balance; Enfermedad de Parkinson; Entrenamiento de resistencia; Equilibrio; Fatiga; Fatigue; Parkinson's disease; Resistance training.