Objective: To assess the effectiveness of using “applying make-up” as a physiotherapy and occupational therapy intervention to reduce bradykinesia in people with Parkinson’s.

Background: People with Parkinson’s suffer from hands and fingers control and coordination. Additionally, Bradykinesia affects hands and fingers movement and reduce quality of movement in Parkinson’s, leading to difficulties in fine movements and avoiding activities that require ability to perform small, precise hand movements with flow and accuracy, such as applying make-up.

Method: A single-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of “applying make-up” as a physiotherapy and occupational therapy intervention on hands and fingers movement in Parkinson’s. To achieve study goals, 28 participants were randomly grouped into: 1) Make-up group: participants were asked to apply make-up on themselves three times per week for a period of three months; 2) Control group: participants continued their lifestyle as it is. Outcome measures used were: 1) bradykinesia: using the Finger Tapping Mobile Application; 2) Depression: using Beck Depression Inventory. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, and at the end of the trial (after three months).

Results: Overall, 28 participants were included in the trial (14 in each group). Mean (SD) age was 57 (11) years. All the 28 participants were females. No differences between the two groups were found at the baseline session for all outcome measures. Bradykinesia (mean SD of number of correct taps after three months = 0.33 (0.7) seconds in control group vs. 0.17 (0.5) seconds in the Make–up group, <0.0001). and depression (mean (SD)= 0.88(5) in the control group vs. 0.75(4) in the Make-up group) were significantly less in participants who were in the Make-up group compared with the control group after the three months period.

Conclusion: Using “applying make-up” as a hand movement intervention could help in improving hand function by reducing bradykinesia. Furthermore, using this new intervention might help in reducing depression and improve overall quality of life in people with Parkinson’s.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/make-up-for-parkinsons-a-randomized-control-trial/