Impact of Mézières Rehabilitative Method in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Paolucci, Zangrando, Piccinini, Deidda, Basile, Bruno, Buzi, Mannocci, Tirinelli, Haggiag, Lispi, Villani, Saraceni.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of Mézières method in improving trunk flexibility of the back muscles and balance in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Materials and Methods. Thirty-six patients were randomized into 2 groups: the Mézières treatment group and the control group (home exercise group). The primary outcome was the improvement in balance per the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the trunk flexibility of the back for the anterior flexion trunk test. Also, we evaluated pain, gait balance for the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), disease-related disability for the Modified Parkinson's Activity Scale and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the quality of life, and the functional exercise capacity. All the measures were evaluated at baseline (T0), at the end of the rehabilitative program (T1), and at the 12-week follow-up (T2). Results. In the Mézières group, the BBS (p< .001) and trunk flexion test (p< .001) improved significantly at T1 and remained the same at T2. Between groups, significant changes were reported in FGA (p= .027) and UPDRS Total (p= .007) at T1 and in FGA (p= .03) at T2. Conclusion. The Mézières approach is efficacious in improving the flexibility of the trunk and balance in PD patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Mézières method in improving trunk flexibility, back muscles, and balance in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Materials and Methods: Thirty-six patients were randomized into 2 groups: the Mézières treatment group and the control group (home exercise group). The primary outcome was improvement in balance according to the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and trunk flexibility of the back for the anterior flexion trunk test. Additionally, we evaluated pain, gait balance with the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), disease-related disability with the Modified Parkinson's Activity Scale and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), quality of life, and functional exercise capacity. All measures were evaluated at baseline (T0), at the end of the rehabilitation program (T1), and at the 12-week follow-up (T2).

Results: In the Mézières group, BBS (p <0.001) and trunk flexion test (p <0.001) significantly improved at T1 and remained the same at T2. Between groups, significant changes were reported in FGA (p = .027) and total UPDRS (p = .007) at T1 and in FGA (p = 0.03) at T2.

Conclusion: The Mézières approach is effective in improving trunk flexibility and balance in patients with Parkinson's disease.

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