Robert A. Rider

The effects of balance training and high-intensity resistance training on persons with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease

OBJECTIVE To assess immediate and near-term effects of 2 exercise training programs for persons with idiopathic Parkinsons disease (IPD). DESIGN Randomized control trial. SETTING Public health facility and medical center. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen persons with IPD. INTERVENTION Combined group (balance and resistance training) and balance group (balance training only) underwent 10 weeks of high-intensity resistance training (knee extensors and flexors, ankle plantarflexion) and/or balance training under altered visual and somatosensory sensory conditions, 3 times a week on nonconsecutive days. Groups were assessed before, immediately after training, and 4 weeks later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Balance was assessed by computerized dynamic posturography, which determined the subjects response to reduced or altered visual and somatosensory orientation cues (Sensory Orientation Test [SOT]). Muscle strength was assessed by measuring the amount of weight a participant could lift, by using a standardized weight-and-pulley system, during a 4-repetition-maximum test of knee extension, knee flexion, and ankle plantarflexion. RESULTS Both types of training improved SOT performance. This effect was larger in the combined group. Both groups could balance longer before falling, and this effect persisted for at least 4 weeks. Muscle strength increased marginally in the balance group and substantially in the combined group, and this effect persisted for at least 4 weeks. CONCLUSION Muscle strength and balance can be improved in persons with IPD by high-intensity resistance training and balance training.

AN EXPLORATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF EDUCATIONAL PLACEMENT ON THE COMMUNITY RECREATION AND LEISURE PATTERNS OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

This study explored the recreation and leisure patterns of children with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. 28 parents of children labeled “trainable mentally handicapped” were questioned about the type of sport, exercise, and social activities their children participated in as well as about the opportunities for social inclusion with nondisabled peers that these activities afforded their children. Analyses indicated that most of the children participated in segregated recreation and leisure activities. However, after adjusting for age, an analysis of covariance showed that children placed in more socially integrated educational settings participated in significantly more inclusive recreational activities than children who were served in segregated educational settings.

EFFECTS OF MASSED VERSUS DISTRIBUTED PRACTICE ON GROSS AND FINE MOTOR PROFICIENCY OF EDUCABLE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADOLESCENTS

Gross and fine motor proficiency were studied in a sample of 52 educable mentally handicapped students (M = 15.8 yr.), half of whom were assigned to 15 30-sec. trials, a relatively massed practice schedule with 5 sec. between trials, and half to a distributed practice schedule with 30-sec. rests. 5 trials were given 24 hr. later. All subjects performed the stabilometer balance task to measure gross motor proficiency and a 45-rpm pursuit rotor task to measure fine motor proficiency. No significant differences with regard to the practice schedule used early in learning were found, however, boys scored significantly higher on the pursuit rotor than girls.

Comparison of Hand Preference in Trainable Mentally Handicapped and Nonhandicapped Children

Hand preference was compared in 22 trainable mentally handicapped and 22 nonhandicapped children (Mage 78.00 mo.). Significant differences were found, showing the nonhandicapped group had a stronger preference when presented 10 hand-choice items from The Harris Tests of Lateral Dominance. In addition, stronger lefthandedness characterized the handicapped group, supporting previous research.

Comparison of Selected Gait Parameters of Trainable Mentally Retarded and Nonretarded Males

Although there were no significant differences in the single support phase of gait for 6 trainable mentally retarded boys (Mean age 9.6 yr.) and 6 nonretarded boys (Mean age 9.5 yr.), total gait time and time in double support were significantly different for the two groups, supporting previous research which showed gait was deficient in trainable mentally retarded individuals.

Influence of Motor Therapy on Children with Multisensory Disabilities: A Preliminary Study.

Effects of a program of motor therapy on the motor ability levels of 8 multisensory handicapped children were examined. Participation improved performance for all subjects. The gain scores from pretest to posttest indicated that children with multisensory disabilities may benefit from such a program.