Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and postural instability. These symptoms significantly impact balance and increase the risk of falls, which subsequently lead to a heightened fear of falling and a diminished quality of life. Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method have shown effects in improving overall well-being. The study is randomized clinical trial will be carried at General hospital. 46 participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be included in this study. Participants will be randomly assigned into 2 groups, Group A and Group B participants will receive Alexander techniques and Feldenkrais method, respectively. All the groups will receive interventions for three days a week for 8 weeks.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. These symptoms significantly impact balance and increase the risk of falls, which subsequently lead to a heightened fear of falling and a diminished quality of life. Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method have shown promise in improving motor function and overall well-being. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effects of the Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method on balance, fear of falling, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. This randomized clinical trial will be carried at General hospital after the approval of permission letter. Total number of 46 participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be included in this study through a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Participants will be randomly assigned into 2 groups using computer generated randomization method. Group A and Group B participants will receive Alexander techniques and Feldenkrais method, respectively. All the groups will receive interventions for three days a week for 8 weeks. Total treatment time will be 40 minutes. The outcome measuring scales used will be Berg balance scale and time-up and go to measure balance, fall efficacy scale-international to measure fear of fall, and the Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39) to measure quality of life. The data will be collected at baseline and after 8 weeks of therapy, to measure the outcome measures.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
46
24 sessions for 8 weeks, per week 3 sessions will be given
The method is divided into eight lessons according to 'Awareness Through Movement'. Each lesson will be given three times for one week.
General hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Berg balance scale
It is a 14-item list with each item consisting of a five-point ordinal scale ranging from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating the lowest level of function and 4 the highest level of function and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. It does not include the assessment of gait. A score of 56 indicates functional balance. A score of \<45 indicates individuals may be at greater risk of falling. A score of ≤49 indicates a risk of falls in individuals with stroke.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Time up and go (TUG)
The patient starts in a seated position. The patient stands up upon therapist's command: walks 3 meters, turns around, walks back to the chair and sits down. The time stops when the patient is seated. An older adult who takes ≥12 seconds to complete the TUG is at risk for falling. In Parkinson's, the patient is at high risk of fall if he takes more than 11.5 seconds.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Fall efficacy scale-international (FES-I)
It is a 16-item questionnaire, with a score ranging from minimum 16 (no concern about falling) to maximum 64 (severe concern about falling).
Time frame: 8 weeks
Quality of life questionnaire for Parkinson's PDQ-39
PDQ-39 comprises 39 questions from 8 dimensions which include mobility, activities of daily of living, emotional well-being, stigma, social support, cognition, communication, and bodily discomfort.
Time frame: 8 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.