The Effects of Multimodal Exercise Program on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological illness characterized by various motor and non-motor symptoms that can lead to varying degrees of functional impairment. This study aims to investigate the effects of a multimodal exercise program (MEP) on functional capacity and quality of life in elderly patients with PD. Methods: Thirty elderly patients with PD were randomly divided into two equal groups of MEP and control, with no significant differences in age, weight, and height. The variables of Functional Factors and Quality of Life were assessed in pre- and post-tests. MEP was performed five days a week for twelve weeks. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The study observed significant differences in quality of life, static balance, dynamic balance, wrist strength, and walking performance between the two groups of PD patients (p <0.001). The mean scores of quality of life, static balance, dynamic balance, and wrist strength in the MEP group were significantly higher compared to the control group (p <0.001). Additionally, after the intervention, the walking speed in the MEP group showed a significant improvement, with a lower completion time compared to the control group (p <0.001). Conclusion: MEP can be used as a useful and effective method to improve quality of life, static balance, dynamic balance, wrist strength and walking performance of PD patients. Therefore, MEP (resistance, aerobic, and balance) is recommended as the most effective complementary therapeutic strategy for PD.