OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of power training (PWT) and a high-speed yoga program on physical performances in older patients with Parkinson disease (PD), and to test the hypothesis that both training interventions would attenuate PD symptoms and improve physical performance.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

A laboratory of neuromuscular research and active aging.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with PD (N=41; mean age ± SD, 72.2 ± 6.5y).

INTERVENTIONS

Two high-speed exercise interventions (specifically designed yoga program and PWT) were given for 12 weeks (twice a week), and 1 nonexercise control group.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale motor score (UPDRSMS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), Timed Up and Go, functional reach, single leg stance (SLS), postural sway test, 10-m usual and maximal walking speed tests, 1 repetition maximum (RM), and peak power (PPW) for leg press.

RESULTS

For the posttests, both training groups showed significant improvements (P<.05) in all physical measurements except functional reach on the more affected side, SLS, and postural sway compared with the pretests, and significantly better scores for UPDRSMS, BBS, Mini-BESTest, Timed Up and Go, functional reach on the less affected side, 10-m usual and maximal walking speed tests, 1RM, and PPW than controls, with no differences detected between the yoga program and PWT.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the specially designed yoga program and PWT programs can significantly improve physical performance in older persons with PD.