Influence of functional and strength training on neuromuscular adaptations, functionality and quality of life in elderly with Parkinson's Disease

• Grant number: 11/04242-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): March 01, 2012
• Effective date (End): May 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Ugrinowitsch
• Grantee: Carla da Silva Batista
• Host Institution: Escola de Educação Física e Esporte (EEFE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Decline in the neuromuscular function inherent to the aging process aggravate motor alterations produced by the Parkinson's disease (PD), such as bradykinesy and postural instability. These symptoms directly affect the functionality of elderly individuals with PD, increasing the number of falls, institutionalization, and mortality rate. Previous studies have suggested that strength training is an effective strategy to partially reduce the functional deficit of elderly with PD due to an increase muscle force production capacity. However, the neural and morphological adaptations to it are still equivocal. Furthermore, the impact of strength training in the balance of this population is known. Even though strength training seems to have a positive impact in the quality of life of elderly individuals with DP, training regimens that impose a greater coordinative and motor control demands may have a higher potential to enhance the functionality. In this regard, resistance training combined with instability due to the high proprioceptive overload and motor control required. Similarly, the functional improvements and neuromuscular adaptations produced by this training regimen are not described in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to compare the functional and quality of life changes, and the neuromuscular adaptations produced by 12 weeks of either strength training or strength training with instability in elderly individuals with PD. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SILVA-BATISTA, CARLA; URSO, RODRIGO P.; LIMA SILVA, ADRIANO E.; BERTUZZI, ROMULO. ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN FITNESS TESTS AND THE INTERNATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRE-SHORT FORM IN HEALTHY MEN. JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, v. 27, n. 12, p. 3481-3487, DEC 2013. (11/04242-3)