Effects of tele-rehabilitation after deep brain stimulation on cardiopulmonary fitness and gait in patients with Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION

The postoperative motor function of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) is significantly improved, but the level of physical activity is still low. Tele-rehabilitation provides a convenient and flexible rehabilitation method. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of tele-rehabilitation after DBS on cardiopulmonary fitness and gait in PD patients.

PURPOSE

To explore the effects of early post-DBS tele-rehabilitation on cardiopulmonary fitness and gait in PD patients.

METHODS

There were 24 patients and classified them into two groups, i.e., Group A (postoperative tele-rehabilitation, n = 14) and Group B (only surgical treatment, n = 10). Movement Disorder Society-unified Parkinson's disease rating scale III(MDS-UPDRSIII), the six-minute walking test (6MWT), pulmonary function test and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were used as primary outcome variables, while the Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA), the Borg scale at the end of the 6MWT and 39-item Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39) were used as secondary outcome variables.

RESULTS

The 6MWT, Tinetti score, FVC and FEV1 in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B (P < 0.05), and Borg scale score at the end of 6MWT and TUG were significantly lower than those in Group B (P < 0.05). Compared with baseline, MDS-UPDRS III score, the 6MWT, TUG, Tinetti score, FVC, FEV1, Borg scale score at the end of 6MWT and PDQ-39 were significantly improved in Group A (P < 0.05). MDS-UPDRS III score and Tinetti score were significantly improved in Group B at follow-up (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Tele-rehabilitation after DBS can improve cardiopulmonary fitness and the functional walking ability of PD patients.