Effect of a Physical-Strengthening Exercise Program on Physical Fitness, Depression, and Cognitive Function in Older Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to examine the effect of a physical-strengthening exercise program on physical fitness, depression, and cognitive function in older patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Forty-one PD patients who were recruited from D University hospital in B Metropolitan City were allocated to the experimental group (n=21) and control group (n=20). Participants completed the physical-strengthening exercise program 2 times a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, we administered a senior fitness test (SFT), the depression scale (the Korean version of the Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale, MADRS-K), and cognitive function scale (the Korean version of the Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale, ADAS-K). The data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The physical-strengthening exercise program was effective as indicated by significant improvement in physical fitness, cognitive function, but not depression in participants. Conclusion: Our results suggest the physical-strengthening exercise program will be a valuable non-pharmacological intervention to promote physical fitness and cognitive function in older patients with PD. In addition, this intervention may be used to alleviate the risk of gait disturbance and falls due to PD.