| Abstract [eng] |
Aim of the research: To assess the effects of different physical activity programs on the motor and cognitive functions in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The main question of the research: Do rehabilitation interventions, based on physical activity programs with different parameters have different, positive effects in improving motor and cognitive functions of PD patients? Tasks of the research: 1. To assess the impact of physical activity programs on the cognitive function in persons with PD. 2. To evaluate the effect of physical activity programs on the motor functions in persons with PD. 3. To compare the effectiveness of different physical activity programs in improving cognitive and motor functions in people with PD Materials and methods: The systematic review has been carried out in a fixed time frame – from Aug. 2022 until Dec. 2022, using electronic means to gather the required data in the "PubMed" database. The search was conducted according to the PICO methodology, the selection was based on the PRISMA guidelines. Selection criteria: Publication evaluates people who have been diagnosed with PD; Research is a randomized controlled trial; Researches use standardised and validated tests; Research assesses the effects of aerobic training, resistance training or balance training, in a period of 4 -12 weeks; Mean of the population age is 60-80 years; Patients assessed have no or mild cognitive impairment; Publication is written in English. Results: The systematic review included 20 publications, investigating the effects of different physical activity programs on motor and cognitive functions in individuals with PD. This study analyzes aerobic training; resistance training; balance training programs. The effectiveness and comparison of these three physical activity types was done by evaluating pre and post intervention results of instruments and tests, assessing motor and cognitive functions. Furthermore, the mean effect size was calculated for each of the physical activity type and function assessed. When evaluating the effectiveness in improving motor skills, an advantage was found amongst aerobic training (mean effect size (d) - 0.93 (± 0.34)), compared to resistance training (mean effect size (d) - 0.4 (± 0.11)) and balance training programs (mean effect size (d) - 0.19 (± 0.04)). When evaluating the effectiveness in improving functional mobility and reducing the risk of falls, an advantage was found amongst aerobic training (mean effect size (d) - 0.72 (± 0.38)), compared to resistance training (mean effect size (d) - 0.33 (± 0.11)) and balance training programs (mean effect size (d) - 0.32 (± 0.09)). When examining the changes in cognitive function before and after the intervention, an advantage among aerobic training was found (mean effect size (d) - 0.63 (± 0.17)), compared to resistance training (mean effect size (d) - 0.38 (± 0.30)). Conclusions: 1. Physical activity programs based on aerobic training or resistance training, applied for 4- 12 weeks, are effective in improving cognitive function in patients with PD. 2. Physical activity programs based on aerobic, resistance or balance training, when applied for 4-12 weeks, are effective in improving motor skills, mobility or other elements dependent on these functions, such as performance of activities of daily living, in patients with PD 3. Physical activity programs based on aerobic training are more effective in improving motor function and mobility in people with PD than moderate-intensity resistance training or balance training. However, physical activity programs based on balance training are more suitable for people with PD in order to reduce the risk of falling and improve balance skills. Both resistance-based and aerobic-based physical activity programs had similar effects on improving cognitive function in individuals with PD. |
