Potential Benefits of Remote Physiotherapy on the Level of Daily Physical Activity and Participation in People with Parkinson’s Disease: Multiple-Case Study

Description

It is known that physiotherapy improves the state of health and delays functional impairments in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) but limiting factors for participation in face-to-face physiotherapy have been identified. Aim: To analyze the applicability and outcomes of remote physiotherapy in daily physical activity and participation levels in persons with PD.. A multiple case study design was applied. Four persons with PD with stable medical condition and drug therapy participated. According to therapy guidelines for persons with PD an exercise program was created, which was performed remotely twice a week for eight weeks. Before and after the intervention data was collected by an accelerometer for seven consecutive days and with the “Impact on Participation and Autonomy” questionnaire, during the intervention – exercise evaluation protocol, and after the intervention – semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed descriptively within a single case and cumulatively.. All participants attended at least 10 sessions. Partial execution of the exercises was observed only in the first sessions and could be associated with an inferior understanding of the technical execution of the exercise. A loss of balance was observed in the first and final sessions, but it did not lead to fall and balance was regained easily. After intervention a tendency of increase time spent in physical activities (1–4%) was observed, with the largest increase of time spent in moderate intensity (6–131 min). A tendency of decrease in participation restrictions was observed – mostly in activities at home and outside. Participants reflected positive benefits such as an increase in self-efficacy in performing activities, improvement of health and a desire to engage more in daily physical activities.. It can be hypothesized that remote physiotherapy is applicable and provides positive benefits in the level of daily physical activity and participation in persons with PD.

Period	29 Mar 2023
Event title	RSU Research week 2023: Society. Health. Welfare
Event type	Conference
Conference number	9
Organiser	Rīga Stradiņš University
Location	Riga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International