Motor-cognitive Approach and Aerobic Training: A Synergism for Rehabilitative Intervention in Parkinson’s Disease
Davide Ferrazzoli, Paola Ortelli, Alberto Cucca, Leila Bakdounes, Margherita Canesi, Daniele Volpe
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) results in a complex deterioration of motor behavior. Effective pharmacological or surgical treatments addressing the whole spectrum of both motor and cognitive symptoms are lacking. The cumulative functional impairment may have devastating socio-economic consequences on both patients and caregivers. Comprehensive models of care based on multidisciplinary approaches may succeed in better addressing the overall complexity of PD. Neurorehabilitation is a highly promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing PD. The scientific rationale beyond rehabilitation and its practical applicability remain to be established. In the present perspective, we aim to discuss the current evidence supporting integrated motor-cognitive and aerobic rehabilitation approaches for patients with PD while suggesting a practical framework to optimize this intervention in the next future.