Effects of Resistance and Aerobic Exercises on Walking and Sarcopenic Parameters in Parkinson's Disease
Comparison of the Effects of Resistance and Aerobic Exercises Added to Conventional Rehabilitation Program on Walking and Sarcopenic Parameters in Patients With Sarcopenic Parkinson's Disease
Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital
30 participants
Sep 10, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance and aerobic exercises on the following outcomes in patients with sarcopenic Parkinson's disease: Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), handgrip strength, Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test, and MDS-UPDRS Part II scores.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Male and female patients aged 40-85 years with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
- Diagnosis of sarcopenia according to the EWGSOP2 criteria.
- Hoehn \& Yahr stage 2-3.
- Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent according to the approved study consent form.
Exclusion Criteria12
- Failure to meet diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia.
- Hoehn \& Yahr stage 1 or 4.
- History of malignancy.
- Epilepsy.
- History of cardiac pacemaker implantation.
- Presence of congestive heart failure.
- Orthopedic conditions affecting walking or balance.
- Respiratory disorders impairing exercise capacity.
- Uncontrolled hypertension.
- Inability to cooperate with study procedures.
- History of neuromuscular or vestibular disorders affecting gait or balance parameters.
- Lack of willingness to participate in the study.
Interventions
Participants in this group will receive conventional rehabilitation in combination with supervised treadmill-based aerobic exercise three times per week for 6 weeks. Each exercise session will consist of a 5-minute warm-up, a 15-minute main exercise phase, and a 5-minute cool-down. Walking speed will be individualized based on participant tolerance and progressively increased under clinical supervision. Exercise intensity will be monitored using the modified Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (scale 6-20). Weeks 1-2: Main exercise at Borg 10-11 (light-moderate). Weeks 3-4: Main exercise at Borg 11-12 (moderate). Weeks 5-6: Main exercise at Borg 12-13 (moderate-high). Cardiorespiratory responses will be monitored during all sessions, and treadmill speed will be gradually adjusted in accordance with improvements in exercise tolerance while maintaining safety.
Participants in this arm will receive conventional rehabilitation combined with supervised resistance training using elastic bands, 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Exercises target major upper- and lower-limb and hip muscles. Each exercise is performed for 3 sets of 10 repetitions with 60-90 seconds rest. Initial band tension is set at the highest tolerable level and progressively increased. The program includes shoulder press, biceps curl, triceps extension, seated leg extension, calf raise, and lateral band walk. All sessions are supervised, emphasizing correct posture, controlled full range of motion, and avoidance of compensatory movements. Patients are guided with verbal and visual cues when necessary.
Participants in this group will receive conventional rehabilitation only, 5 days per week, 1 hour per day, for 6 weeks. The program includes upper and lower limb range of motion exercises, stretching, walking practice, balance and coordination training, proprioceptive exercises, posture correction, obstacle crossing, and turning in place. All sessions are delivered under clinical supervision, with emphasis on correct posture, safety, and full range of motion
Locations(1)
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NCT07165106