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Swimming is Compromised in Parkinson's Disease Patients
Author(s) -
Neves Maria Ana,
BouçaMachado Raquel,
Guerreiro Daniela,
Caniça Verónica,
PonaFerreira Filipa,
Ferreira Joaquim J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/mds.27918
Subject(s) - parkinson's disease , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medicine , movement disorders , affect (linguistics) , physical therapy , disease , body position , cross sectional study , psychology , pathology , communication
Background A recent survey reported a high risk of drowning in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. This study intended to assess PD patients’ swimming ability and explore the disease‐related characteristics that may affect this. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted in idiopathic PD patients. The assessment included swimming in 2 different styles and the evaluation of isolated technical gestures. The primary outcome was the frequency of patients who were able to swim. Limb coordination, blockage episodes, and capacity to maintain the body in a horizontal position were also evaluated. Results Thirteen patients were evaluated. Three patients were able to swim according to the predefined definition. The inability to maintain the horizontal position and floatability were the main reasons identified for the decrease in swimming performance. Conclusions Swimming ability is compromised in some PD patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the global frequency of swimming difficulties in PD patients and their contributing factors. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society