Maximal strength training in patients with Parkinson’s disease: impact on efferent neural drive, force-generating capacity, and functional performance
Jan Helgerud, Simon Nørskov Thomsen, Jan Hoff, A. Strandbråten, Gunnar Leivseth, Runar Unhjem, E. Wang
Abstract
This randomized, controlled trial documents that supervised high-intensity strength training improves efferent neural drive, maximal muscle strength, rate of force development, and functional performance in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In contrast, no differences were observed in these outcome variables in patients receiving conventional treatment consisting of recreational physical activity with low-to-medium intensity. Consequently, this study advocates that high-intensity strength training should be implemented in the clinical treatment of PD patients.
Topics & Concepts
EfferentPhysical medicine and rehabilitationIntensity (physics)MedicineStrength trainingPhysical therapyParkinson's diseaseRandomized controlled trialDiseaseSurgeryInternal medicinePhysicsAfferentQuantum mechanicsParkinson's Disease Mechanisms and TreatmentsMuscle activation and electromyography studiesCerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders