Evaluating the Effect of Water- versus Land-Based Exercise Therapy in the Balance and Quality of Life of Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Postural instability is a major complication of Parkinson’s disease (PD) leads to the reduced mobility and poor quality of life in patients. Physical activity and exercise is a part of treatment plan to reduce the symptoms of the disease. Water-based exercise is recommended for patients with a lower level of mobility. This study aimed to compare the effects of water- and land-based exercises on patients with Parkinson’s disease. 20 patients who were diagnosed to have idiopathic Parkinson’s disease by a neurologist were equally divided into two 10-people groups based on their severity of complications. Both groups completed an 8-weeks (3 sessions per week) exercise program. Postural stability and quality of life (QoL) parameters were recorded using a force-plate and questionnaire in pre- and post-test sessions. Recorded outcomes were analyzed and compared using analysis of covariance statistical test. Postural stability and quality of life parameters improved at the post-test session compared to pre-test in both groups. The improvement of these outcomes was significantly greater in the water-based group. Water-based exercises can be more beneficial to improve the balance ability and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease.