Efficacy of a Community‐Taught Aquatic Therapy Program for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study. Issue 2 (2017) - Dupre, Anne Marie
Abstract : Introduction. : Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) present with motor deficits that contribute to increased fall risk and decreased quality of life (QOL). Previous research has demonstrated that aquatic therapy programs can help increase balance ability, functional independence, self‐confidence, and can help decrease depression and motor disability in individuals with PD. Most studies have utilized licensed physical therapists (PT) as instructors of these programs, but this approach may not always be feasible or practical. Purpose. : The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of an aquatic therapy program taught by a PT‐trained instructor for individuals with PD on balance ability and QOL. Methods. : Eight of the original 11 participants (Hoehn & Yahr Stage I‐III) completed the eight‐week aquatic therapy program led by either an aquatics instructor or a kinesiology student. The Mini‐BESTest and PDQ‐39 were administered as pre and post‐test measures. Results. : The Mini‐BESTest scores significantly increased (p < 0.05) while the PDQ‐39 scores did not. Conclusion. : The results suggest that a PT‐trained instructor can administer aquatic therapy programs to individuals with PD and have similar outcomes to those programs led by a PT. Therefore, community‐based organizations might consider offering such programs as a way to increase accessibility and affordability for individuals living with PD.