Effects of interval active-assisted cycling on balance in individuals with Parkinson's disease

Purpose. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effect of interval active-assisted cycling on balance in individuals with Parkinson's disease. We examined the effects of high rate interval active-assisted cycling on upper extremity motor function, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Berg balance scale and H-reflex of the soleus. Methods. Twenty older individuals (50--79 years) with idiopathic Parkinson's disease were randomly assigned to two groups, a control group and an exercise group. On the first visit all subjects completed baseline assessments of cardiovascular fitness (YMCA Submaximal cycling test), motor function (upper extremity and UPDRS), balance (Berg Balance Scale and Biodex Balance System SD), H-reflex sensitivity and quality of life (PDQ). All the individuals repeated these tests (except the submaximal test) after four weeks. The exercise group than came into the laboratory three times a week for four weeks to complete high rate interval active-assisted cycling. The exercise program consisted of 5 minutes of warm-up, 30 minutes of interval active-assisted cycling and 5 minutes of cool down. Metabolic and perceptual data were collected at baseline and every two minutes during exercise. The control group only visited the lab for assessments. Results. Data were analyzed using an analysis of variance with repeated measures. Interval active-assisted cycling improved UPDRS scores in the exercise group compared to the control group. It did not significantly improve balance or upper extremity tremor in the exercise group compared to the control group. Conclusions. A four week interval active-assisted cycling program does not improve balance or upper extremity tremor but does improve UPDRS scores in individuals with PD.