Rehabilitation Procedures in the Management of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by a progressive depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta [1]. It affects approximately 7 million, primarily elderly, people worldwide [2]. Motor cardinal signs of PD include bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor, and postural instability, as well as deterioration of muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, performance of balance, gait, and mobility tasks [2–4]. In addition to motor symptoms, people with PD may suffer from nonmotor complications such as sensory complaints, autonomic dysfunction, fatigue, apathy, sleep disturbances, depression, and cognitive decline (i.e., executive function) [2, 4]. Disability can occur at all stages of PD leading to decreased independence, inactivity, social isolation, and reduced quality of life by performance of activities of daily living and various aspects of mobility such as gait, transfers, balance, and posture [5].