| Abstract: | ![]()
People with Parkinson's disease often exhibit diminished mobility, depression, and social isolation. An exercise regimen is recommended for these people as a means of enhancing mobility, improving balance and coordination, and increasing independence. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a nurse-directed group program of non-aerobic flexibility exercise on indices of subjective and objective mobility, functional ability, affect, and perceived social support of a selected group of people with Parkinson's disease. Seven subjects participated in a within-subject-control small-n experimental design study, testing the effect of an eight-week structured group exercise group on indices of physical and psychosocial functioning. Significant differences were seen in objective mobility and subjective overall function. Change in affect was mixed, and improved perception of social support was observed. The small sample size and absence of control groups limit the ability to generalize from this study. However, the positive results in a variety of human responses to a chronic disease encourage further studies to determine the magnitude and consistency of the effects seen in this study. Further demonstration of improved functional status and well-being following a group program of exercise would provide a rationale for a cost-effective nursing therapy for people with Parkinson's disease. |
