Abstract
Background: Parkinson's disease, after Alzheimer’s disease, is the second most common
neurodegenerative condition globally, and its aetiology is largely unknown. Primary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neuro-degenerative disorder of the central nervous
system that is slow to progress. It is characterised by three classical features, namely,
bradykinesia, muscular rigidity and tremor. The main neuro-pathology of this movement
disorder is the depletion of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Most Parkinson’s
patients, during the course of the disease, experience motor symptoms such as gait and
balance disturbance causing postural instability and an increase in the risk of falls. Nonmotor
symptoms consist of autonomic dysfunction, sleep disturbances and psychological
complaints. Typically, psychiatric disorders also occur with PD, thereby altering the mental
state of patients, which results in cognitive slowing, depression, and psychosis.
Aims:The primary aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of multi-modal
activities, such as land-based exercises and aquatic therapy, in the management of PD. The
secondary aim was to determine the impact of exercise on the psychological wellbeing of the
patients and their caregivers.
Method:A randomised experimental controlled pre-post design was followed for this
research. A mixed method sampling design was applied for the collection of the data.
Quantitative methods were used for the collection of clinical and motor function data, and a
qualitative design was used for the psychological components of this study.All the evaluations
and exercise interventions took place at the Biokinetic and Aquatic Rehabilitation Centre of
the University of Johannesburg.
Fifty three PD patients in the early to mid-phase of the disease (Hoehn & Yahr scale 1-3)
were invited to participate in this study after they met the inclusion criteria. The participants
allocated to the land-based group participated in gymnasium based interventions, while the
aquatic group received water based therapy, and the non-exercising control group commenced
with the exercise programme after the study was completed.
Motor functions tests were employed to assess postural control, gait, isometric and isokinetic
strength and range of movements...
D.Phil. (Biokinetics)