Abstract
Introduction: Water-based exercises are widely accepted exercises due to its acceptance and additional benefits from them. Exclusively, aquatic exercises are more advantageous than Land Exercise (LE), particularly in the early phase after rehabilitation for respiratory benefits.
Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of water-based inspiratory muscle training in respiratory muscle strength, lung functions and functional capacity in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD).
Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted on 30 participants with idiopathic PD, between 50 to 65 years and in stages I-III (Modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale). Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated through Inspiratory Muscle Training and functional capacity was evaluated with a 6-minute walk test. After the assessment, the participants were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A: Along with conventional exercise, water-based inspiratory muscle training was given to the population of this group. Group B: Along with conventional exercise, land-based respiratory muscle training was given to the population of this group.
Results: Mean age of group A was 69 +/- 6 years and group B was 69 +/- 4 years (p-value=0.90). As per statistical analysis using paired t-test, both the groups showed improvement from baseline in all the parameters {FVC%, FEV1%, MEP (cmH(2)O)} after the intervention. When compared within the groups using independent sample t-test, there was statistically significant change seen in mean value of the parameters and group A was found to be better as compared to Group B.
Conclusion: The study revealed that water-based respiratory muscle training is safe and more effective intervention as compared to land-based exercise. Further, water-based intervention safely helps in improvement of inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, pulmonary functions as well as for general body activity in patients with mild-to-moderate PD.