A moderate-intensity exercise program during inpatient rehabilitation for middle stage Huntington's disease: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundExercise is beneficial for persons with Huntington's disease (HD). Inpatient rehabilitation settings are well-suited for implementing exercise programs. Exercise parameters, such as duration and intensity, need to be further investigated. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of an exercise program at moderate intensity performed five times a week for persons with mid-stage HD during a four-week inpatient rehabilitation program.MethodsIn a single-blind randomized monocentric controlled trial, two groups followed a four-week inpatient rehabilitation program including: occupational therapy, psychomotor therapy, psychosocial workshop, mobility sessions, dietary management, nursing, socio-educational activities, physician consultations and personalized consultations. In addition, the intervention group specifically participated in five one-hour exercise sessions per week at moderate intensity (flat ground walking, sand walking, resistance training, adaptive cycling and water activities), whereas the control group engaged in specific activities without physical activity. The primary outcome was the UHDRS-modified Motor Score (mMS). Functional, cognitive and psychological assessments were also completed.ResultsThirty-two patients were recruited. The UHDRS-mMS did not significantly differ at post-intervention. In the intervention group (n = 16), within-group improvements were observed for HAD-Anxiety, PBA-apathy, PBA-depression, PBA-psychosis; both within and between-group for 6-min walk test, Stroop Word Reading, and PBA-executive function; and between-group only for Borg. The control group (n = 16) improved within-group on PBA components: depression, apathy and irritability.ConclusionsInpatient rehabilitation program had positive effects on psychological symptoms, while exercise produced additional positive effects beyond exercise tolerance, anxiety, STROOP Word Reading and executive function. Inpatient rehabilitation programs may require longer-term post-rehabilitation support.Trial registrationNCT04917133.