The effects of functional training and stationary cycling on respiratory function of elderly with Parkinson disease: a pilot study

Os efeitos do treino funcional e da bicicleta estacionária na função respiratória de idosos com Doença de Parkinson: um estudo piloto

Abstract

Introduction:

Respiratory function changes in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) contribute to aspiration pneumonia, the main cause of mortality in PD population.

Objective:

To compare the effects of functional training and cycle exercise in respiratory function of elderly with PD.

Methods:

Twenty participants were randomised into two groups. Experimental group (EG) (n = 10) performed cycle exercise and control group (CG) (n = 10) was trained with functional training. A blinded researcher evaluated maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), thoracoabdominal amplitude, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁) before and after interventions.

Results:

Both groups did not improve significantly respiratory function. Only CG improved significantly FVC (p = 0.01). No differences were found between groups.

Conclusion:

8-week exercise programs are not able to improve the respiratory function of elderly in 2 to 3 PD Hoehn & Yahr stage. Both functional training and cycle exercise do not to improve respiratory function in elderly with PD.

Keywords:
Aged; Exercise; Respiratory Function Tests