High-frequency multimodal training with a focus on Tai Chi in people with Parkinson’s disease: a pilot study

Background and objectives Cognitive decline is an important and common complication in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) since it significantly reduces the quality of life. A breakthrough in treating and preventing cognitive decline in PD remains to be achieved. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of high-frequency and intensive multimodal training in improving motor and cognitive function. Methods Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with idiopathic PD completed a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and were neurologically examined. The patients of the intervention group ( n = 15) underwent 2 weekly sessions of Tai Chi therapy over 4 weeks and participated in an individually tailored training program consisting of two modules (smartphone-based speech training and cognitive training). A matched control group consisted of n = 13 patients with PD who received computer-assisted cognitive training. The data were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA. Results Four weeks of high-frequency training showed significant effects on verbal and figural episodic memory and visuospatial function in the intervention group . Compared to the control group, the cognitive performance of the intervention group improved significantly in visuospatial function and figural episodic memory. A significant improvement was also shown in the intervention group in the Tinetti Mobility Test and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The significant effects in the Tinetti mobility test remained after the 6 months follow-up. After the intervention, the patients reported high motivation and satisfaction with the multimodal training. Conclusion In patients with PD, a multimodal training program not only improves gait and stability but may also contribute to improving cognition. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04103255; https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/LoginUser?ts=1&cx=-jg9qo4 .