Mobility in Atypical Parkinsonism: a Trial of Physiotherapy

Patients with Parkinson's disease often show gait impairment and reduced mobility over the disease course. Rare atypical forms of parkinsonism, like multiple system atrophy (MSA) or progressive supranuclear gaze palsy (PSP) develop these features in early disease stages. The reduced mobility and increased time spent in sitting or lying posture leads to loss of physical independence and increased mortality. Since MSA and PSP can currently only be treated symptomatically, a long lasting independence and mobility is therefore of great importance. A positive effect has already been shown in a few studies on specific physiotherapy in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD), and some small studies also give us an evidence that physiotherapy in atypical parkinsonism can improve mobility. The Mobility\_APP study examines the effect of two types of physiotherapy in patients with MSA, PSP and IPD. The participants are initially assigned to a type of therapy and they learn specific exercises with a physiotherapist every day for two weeks. These exercises will then be continued independently at home for another five weeks. Regular checks in the study center ensure a precise examination of the physical condition, quality of life and gait pattern. The latter will be objectively analyzed with the help of sensors that are worn on the participant's shoes. In addition, before the start and at the end of the study, the participants are also monitored for one week at home using shoe sensors in order to reflect the natural conditions of the patients. During the entire study, neither the participant nor the study investigator knows what type of therapy is being used in order to guarantee an unbiased analysis (double blinding). The aim of this double-blind, randomized-controlled study is to determine effective physiotherapy in patients with atypical parkinsonian syndromes in order to maintain mobility for as long as possible. If the exercises learned during physiotherapy can be continued regularly at home and can improve mobility, this means a big step towards autonomous therapy. Frequent visits to therapists can be reduced and sufficient and effective independent therapy can still be carried out during times of crisis or phases with increased motor impairment. The project is kindly supported by the Fund for the Promotion of Scientific Research (FWF). Together with the German Research Foundation (DFG) and Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) in Switzerland this project can be carried out internationally in cooperation with renowned centers for neurological and sensor-based research.