1MPT, Department of Neuro Physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad.
2Dean, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad.
3Professor / Head of Department of Neuro Physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad.
Background: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. The incidence of PD is estimated to range between 410 and 529 cases per 100,000 person-years. The condition gradually impairs motor functions, leading to symptoms such as akinesia, postural instability, gait disturbances, fatigue, dysphagia, and speech changes. While studies have shown that Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques have benefits in treating PD, though particularly rhythmic initiation has not been examined individually. Hence the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of rhythmic initiation, alongside conventional therapy to determine its potential for inclusion in standard treatment protocols to improve patient recovery and independence.
Methodology: The study was conducted on 12 individuals diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's Disease, selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A brief demographic profile was collected from each participant before the initial assessment. The outcome measures utilized were SPDDS and UPDRS. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (control group), which received conventional physiotherapy, and Group B (experimental group), which received conventional physiotherapy in addition to rhythmic initiation and rhythmic activity facilitation techniques. The intervention was administered for 45 minutes per day, four days per week, over a period of six weeks. Outcomes were analyzed by comparing the differences in pre-intervention, mid-intervention (3rd week), and post-intervention assessments both within and between groups.
Results: Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and unpaired t-tests. The control group showed UPDRS improvement from 30.8 to 18.6 and SPDDS from 43.6 to 31.5 over six weeks. The experimental group improved from 31.8 to 16.6 (UPDRS) and 41.6 to 25.83 (SPDDS). P-values indicated significant improvements: 0.0133 (UPDRS) and 0.0263 (SPDDS) in the control group; 0.0024 (UPDRS) and 0.0121 (SPDDS) in the experimental group. T-values were 0.5489 (UPDRS) and 2.436 (SPDDS); F-values were 5.725 (UPDRS) and 11.649 (SPDDS), indicating greater improvement in the experimental group.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that combining rhythmic initiation with rhythmic activity facilitation significantly improved functional mobility in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Keywords: PNF, Rhythmic initiation, Parkinson's Disease, Functional Mobility, ADL
How to cite this article: Adhikari A, Varadharajulu G, Kanase S. Effect of Rhythmic Initiation Along With Rhythmic Activity Facilitation on Functional Mobility in Early Parkinson's Patients. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(8s): 990-996; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.8s.111
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None