Less Parkinson's Symptoms with Physical Therapy and Dual-Task Training

Less Parkinson's Symptoms with Physical Therapy and Dual-Task Training 

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that can significantly affect an individual's ability to move and perform daily tasks. Physical therapy, in combination with dual task training, has been shown to be an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease. Dual task training is a rehabilitation technique that involves the performance of two tasks simultaneously. This approach helps individuals with Parkinson's disease to improve their motor skills, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Here are some of the best physical therapy and dual task training techniques for individuals with Parkinson's disease:

Cognitive-motor training:
Cognitive-motor training is a dual task training technique that focuses on improving both cognitive and motor skills. This type of training involves performing tasks that require both physical and cognitive effort, such as walking while counting backwards. A study published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy found that cognitive-motor training can improve gait and balance in individuals with Parkinson's disease (1).

Virtual reality training:
Virtual reality training is a type of dual task training that uses technology to simulate real-life scenarios. Virtual reality training can help individuals with Parkinson's disease to improve their balance and mobility. A study published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease found that virtual reality training can improve balance and gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease (2).

Constraint-induced movement therapy:
Constraint-induced movement therapy is a physical therapy technique that involves restricting the movement of the unaffected limb to promote the use of the affected limb. This technique can help to improve motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease. A study published in the Journal of Neurology found that constraint-induced movement therapy can improve motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease (3).

Aquatic therapy:
Aquatic therapy is a type of physical therapy that takes place in a pool. The buoyancy of the water can help to reduce the impact of movement and improve balance and mobility. A study published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy found that aquatic therapy can improve balance and gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease (4).

Tai chi:
Tai chi is a form of exercise that involves slow, gentle movements and deep breathing. Tai chi has been shown to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in individuals with Parkinson's disease. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tai chi can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in individuals with Parkinson's disease (5).

​In conclusion, physical therapy in combination with dual task training can help individuals with Parkinson's disease to improve their motor skills, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Some of the best physical therapy and dual task training techniques for individuals with Parkinson's disease include cognitive-motor training, virtual reality training, constraint-induced movement therapy, aquatic therapy, and tai chi.

It is important to work with a doctor of physical therapy who has experience working with individuals with Parkinson's disease to develop an individualized treatment plan.

References:
1.) Rochester L, Hetherington V, Jones D, et al. The Effect of External Rhythmic Cues (Auditory and Visual) on Walking During a Functional Task in Homes of People With Parkinson's Disease. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2005;86(5):999-1006.

2.) Mirelman A, Maidan I, Herman T, Deutsch JE, Giladi N, Hausdorff JM. Virtual reality for gait training: can it induce motor learning to enhance complex walking and reduce fall risk in patients with Parkinson's disease? Journal of Parkinson's Disease. 2016;6(2):357-369.

3.) Taub E, Uswatte G, Pidikiti R. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy: A New Family of Techniques with Broad Application to Physical Rehabilitation--A Clinical Review. Journal of Rehabilitation Research

If you or a loved one are dealing with tremor, freezing, fatigue, stiffness, low energy, or walking difficulties associated with Parkinson's disease, then...

Call 646-781-8884 to inquire and learn more about how Concierge Pain Relief - Home Physical Therapy can help you.