The effect of combined training (balance and resistance) on balance, flexibility and motor function in patients with Parkinson

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurologic disorder in older age groups، which affects the central nervous system. The disease creates disruption in the basal ganglia of the brain; therefore the patient makes a lot of movement problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combined training (balance and resistance) on balance، flexibility and motor function of PD patients. Twenty-two subjects with PD from Isfahan selected and randomly assigned into an intervention (N=11) and control groups (N=11). Patients in experimental group participated in a training program for 10 weeks. Before and after the training program static balance (opened and closed eyes)، flexibility (sit and reach test)، and motor function (with UPDRS) of all patients were assessed. The data were analyzed using independent and dependent t-test. In the experimental group patients، balance (both dominant and non-dominant legs، both opened and closed eyes)، flexibility and motor function were significantly improved after intervention program (P<0. 05). Furthermore، significant differences were found between groups in all variables (P<0. 05). It can be concluded that resistance and balance training program improves balance، flexibility and motor function in PD، therefore، it can be recommended as a modality for these patients.