Objective: 1. Assess the extent to which innovative physiotherapy interventions improve motor function, as measured by the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS).
2. Determine the impact of these interventions on quality of life using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39).
3. Evaluate patient adherence and satisfaction with different physiotherapy approaches.
4. Investigate the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes.
Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and other movement disorders significantly impact motor function and quality of life (Bloem, Okun et al. 2021) . Traditional
physiotherapy methods, while beneficial, often lack engagement and adaptability (Aderinto, Olatunji et al. 2023) . This study evaluates the effectiveness of innovative
physiotherapy interventions that include: virtual reality, robotic-assisted therapy, and wearable motion sensors in improving motor function, treatment adherence, and quality
of life in PD patients.
Method: A case series study was conducted with five participants diagnosed with mild to moderate PD. Participants underwent a 12-week physiotherapy program, incorporating both
traditional and technology-assisted rehabilitation techniques. Motor function was assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and quality of life was measured with the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Adherence and patient satisfaction were also recorded.
Results: All participants demonstrated improvements in motor function, with UPDRS scores reducing by an average of 8.8 points. Quality of life scores improved by an average of 9 points.
Participants who engaged more with virtual reality and robotic-assisted therapy showed the greatest improvements. The average adherence rate was 86.2%, with higher engagement
observed in technology-assisted interventions. Patient satisfaction was high, averaging 8.5/10.
Conclusion: Innovative physiotherapy interventions significantly enhance motor function, adherence, and quality of life for PD patients. Virtual reality and robotic-assisted therapy
improve engagement, suggesting their integration into clinical rehabilitation programs could optimize patient outcomes. Further research is needed to assess long-term effects and cost-effectiveness.
References: Aderinto, N., et al. (2023). "Exploring the efficacy of virtual reality-based rehabilitation in
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Armstrong, M. J. and M. S. Okun (2020). "Diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease: a
review." Jama 323(6): 548-560.
Ben-Shlomo, Y., et al. (2024). "The epidemiology of Parkinson's disease." The lancet
403(10423): 283-292.
Bloem, B. R., et al. (2021). "Parkinson's disease." The lancet 397(10291): 2284-2303.
Bryant, L., et al. (2020). "A review of virtual reality technologies in the field of
communication disability: implications for practice and research." Disability and
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To cite this abstract in AMA style:
E. Nakanwagi, G. Wangolo. Impact of Innovative Physiotherapy Interventions on Motor Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-innovative-physiotherapy-interventions-on-motor-function-and-quality-of-life-in-patients-with-parkinsons-disease-and-movement-disorders/. Accessed November 20, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-innovative-physiotherapy-interventions-on-motor-function-and-quality-of-life-in-patients-with-parkinsons-disease-and-movement-disorders/