Objective: To assess the non-motor benefits of trampoline exercise training in people with PD.
Background: Physical exercise is known to positively impact people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) both in motor and non-motor domains. Challenging and engaging activities, such as trampoline exercise training, are expected to promote better adherence, motivation, and, thus, benefits.
Method: Participants underwent trampoline exercise training three times a week for eight weeks (1-hour sessions) as part of a more extensive study on the effects of trampoline balance training in PD. We recruited participants diagnosed with idiopathic PD, in stage 2-4 Hoehn and Yahr, with a clinical history of gait deficits and a fall history (at least one fall in the last six months) from a local patient association. The intervention was led by specialized physiotherapists that provided progressive, challenging training and guaranteed safety. Participants were assessed with a battery of tests at baseline (T0), immediately after (T1), and three months after the intervention (T2). We obtained preliminary results regarding non-motor outcomes report on MDS-UPDRS non-motor experiences of daily living (Part I), fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale), and quality of life (PDQ-8) after the intervention.
Results: Twenty-two people with PD (age: 69 ± 9.9 years; disease duration: 7.5 ± 4.7 years) participated in the study. We observed significant improvements from T0 to T1 (T-test), with participants showing improved non-motor (p<0.001) experiences of daily living (MDS-UPDRS: Part I), less fear of falling (FES-I: p<0.001), and better quality of life (PDQ-8: p=0.001).
Conclusion: Our preliminary results show that trampoline training can improve non-motor symptoms such as daily activities, fear of falling, and quality of life in people with PD. Aside from the potential motor benefits, community exercise programs can add value to managing nonmotor challenges in PD.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
J. Domingos, J. Gomes, J. Dean, J. Fernandes, J. Vaz, C. Godinho. Effectiveness of trampoline training on non-motor outcomes in people with Parkinson’s: preliminary study results [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2023; 38 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/effectiveness-of-trampoline-training-on-non-motor-outcomes-in-people-with-parkinsons-preliminary-study-results/. Accessed June 15, 2025.« Back to 2023 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/effectiveness-of-trampoline-training-on-non-motor-outcomes-in-people-with-parkinsons-preliminary-study-results/