A. Dimitrova, D. Lubenova, Kr. Grigorova-Petrova
National Sports Academy Vassil Levski – Sofia, Bulgaria
Objective: The purpose of the survey is to study the effect of two physical therapy (PT) programs in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Material and Methods: Two groups of patients suffering from PD were studied. Each group consists of 8 subjects. In the first group A exercises in open kinetic chain were applied. In the second group B exercises in closed kinetic chain were applied. Both groups participated in 25 PT exercise sessions.
Results: Stage of PD, motor ability, activities of daily living, number of steps for 10 meters, fine movements, postural stability, TUG and hemodynamic changes have been studied before and after therapeutic exercise course of treatment.
Discussion: In the patients of both groups a significant improvement was observed. In group A better results were shown in daily activities, motor ability and TUG, while group B improved more significantly the following parameters: fine movements, static balance and gait.
Key words: parkinson's disease, physical therapy.