The effect of supervised exercises on static and dynamic balance in Parkinson's disease patients

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the this study was to examine the effects of supervised exercises on measures of static and dynamic balance Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study used a before-after study design. Seventeen PD patients with mild and moderate levels of disability were enrolled in the study. Patients followed an exercise program under a physiotherapist's supervision one day a week for 12 weeks. The standard Balance Master protocol was used before and after exercise to assess static and dynamic balance. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in the unilateral balance test, one of the static balance assessments performed while standing on the left or right leg with eyes closed (p < 0.05). With respect to dynamic balance, a statistically significant difference in the maximum excursion of limits of stability (LOS), one of the balance tests used in the supervised exercise programs for patient with Parkinson's disease, between measurements taken before and after exercises was also detected (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The change of LOS revealed that dynamic balance improved due to the exercises. Thus, our supervised exercise program provided improvement in dynamic balance of PD patients.