Aqua Stand-Up Paddle Balance Effect in Parkinson's Disease (AquaSUP PARK)

Postural instability is associated with falls and a decreased quality of life in Parkinson's disease (PD). Evidence supports physical activity rather than levodopa for postural instability management. Considering the proven effects of the Stand-up Paddle (SUP) activity on postural instability in sedentary people, the investigators wanted to develop this aquatic activity in a swimming pool on static conditions (Aqua SUP) for PD patients. The objective is to assess the postural instability change by measuring the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (miniBESTest) after 8 weeks of Aqua SUP compared to physiotherapy in PD patients with baseline postural instability.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a relentless neurodegenerative disorder leading to functional impairment with postural instability. Postural instability is associated with an increased risk of falling and a decreased quality of life, and levodopa therapy may only have little effect on balance. Evidence supports physiotherapy and physical activity as an alternative treatment for postural instability in PD. Several types of physical activity have been tested in PD which target different specificities of rehabilitation such as stretching, muscle strengthening, balance, occupational therapy, cueing, treadmill training, with contrasting data regarding postural instability. The investigators want to develop an innovative physical activity with specific focus on the management of the postural instability in PD patients. Stand-up Paddle (SUP) is an aquatic sport improving postural instability in sedentary people that may be practiced in a swimming pool with static conditions for safety (Aqua SUP). In order to assess the effect on postural instability, PD patients with baseline postural instability will be scored by Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (miniBESTest) before and after 8 weeks of Aqua SUP practice and compared to physiotherapy according to a randomized controlled trial with non-inferiority design. Patients will be clinically assessed at baseline regarding the primary outcome miniBESTest and secondary outcome measures. A secondary visit will take place at 2 months after inclusion (Aqua SUP versus physiotherapy). A tertiary visit will be completed at 6 months after inclusion to assess long term effects.