A randomized controlled clinical trial of a core stability exercise program for the intrinsic motivation of Parkinson's patients

Abstract

This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a core stability exercise program in the intrinsic motivation of Parkinson's patients in Nanjing (China). The study used a single-blind, parallel group, randomized controlled trial design. The study also involved 28 Parkinson's patients who were less than 30 weeks referred to three regional general psychiatric outpatient clinics in Nanjing. The sample was randomly assigned to a core stability group (n = 14) and home exercise group (n = 14). The primary outcome was the intrinsic motivation of Parkinson's patients. Outcomes were measured at recruitment, three days and 8 weeks after the core stability program. Participants in the core stability group reported statistically significant increases in intrinsic motivation compared to the home exercise group. There were also significant increases in interest and pleasure, perceived merit, effort and general motivation over the 8-weeks follow-up. The findings provide evidence that the core stability exercise program resulted in improved intrinsic motivation outcomes in Parkinson's patients.