gms | German Medical Science

People with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) experience decreasing mobility amongst others. External rhythmic cuing can support motor function in this population. Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) is a neurologic music therapy technique to support sensorimotor rehabilitation, like balance and functional mobility. The use of a PSE based movement program may be effective in stimulating mobility and quality of life (QOL). Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of a PSE based movement program to improve balance and functional mobility and therefore increase QOL in people with moderate PD.

Methods: Six patients diagnosed with moderate PD participated in this controlled pretest– posttest pilot study. The study examines the effects of PSE music for repeated movements of the body while seated. Exercising to a pre-recorded PSE based movement program combined with standard care (EG) was compared to standard care alone (CG). Participants received a 30-minute group intervention five times a week for three weeks. Changes in mobility and balance were measured using the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test, and self-perceived QOL using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-8. Participants of the EG completed a questionnaire to rate the feasibility of the program.

Results: The analysis of the outcome measures lead to statistically nonsignificant results between the two groups and within the EG. General rating of the EG sessions was high according to results of the questionnaire.

Conclusions: Exercising to a PSE based movement program led to minor improvements in functional mobility and balance. Additionally, EG participants rated the music as highly likeable and indicated motivation to keep on exercising. Further research on the effect of PSE for movement with PD is warranted.