Velocity-Based Training Induced Reductions In Upper Body Power Asymmetry In Persons’ With Parkinson’s Disease

Velocity-based training (VBT), a unique new resistance-training technique extensively used by high-level athletes to improve power and movement velocity, utilizes changes in velocity rather than load to dictate load changes. Although a limited number of studies have looked at the impact of VBT on performance in older persons, no study has examined the effects of VBT on changes in upper-limb power and velocity asymmetries in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). PURPOSE: A secondary analysis was conducted, which examined changes in chest press power and velocity asymmetries following VBT training at 10% and 30% velocity thresholds in 15 persons with PD. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a university population and individuals residing in surrounding neighborhoods using flyers, and from an existing phone list of persons with PD interested in participating in an exercise training study. Data collected before and after training included 1RM, as well as peak velocities (CP-PV) and peak powers (CP-PP) at 40 - 80% 1RM. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted using data from 15 persons. Significant time effects were observed for CP-PP at 40% and 50% 1RM. Pairwise comparisons revealed reductions in asymmetry at 40% (Mdiff ± SE = -.082 ± .032; .013, .152, p = .025) and 50% (Mdiff ± SE = -.073 ± .028; .013, .134, p = .021). For CP-PV, a significant time effect was observed at 40% and 70% 1RM. Pairwise comparisons revealed a reduction in velocity asymmetry at 40% (Mdiff ± SE = .075 ± .029; .012, .139, p = .023) and 70% 1RM (Mdiff ± SE = .073 ± .032; .003, .143, p = .042). Further, a group x time interaction at 40% 1RM was observed. Pairwise comparisons showed no differences between groups across time. For the 10% condition, there was a significant reduction in velocity asymmetry (10% Mdiff ± SE = .165 ± .046; .064, .266, p = .004). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that VBT is an effective training modality for improving CP-PP and CP-PV asymmetry in persons with PD. A stricter velocity threshold may further reduce the incidence of movement velocity asymmetry in the upper limbs for persons with PD. These findings are important as they demonstrate that VBT can reduce neuromuscular symptoms in people with PD, potentially improving their independence and quality of life.