Physiotherapy - Research Publications

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    Health-related quality of life and strain in caregivers of Australians with Parkinson's disease: An observational study
    Kelly, DH ; McGinley, JL ; Huxham, FE ; Menz, HB ; Watts, JJ ; Iansek, R ; Murphy, AT ; Danoudis, M ; Adair, B ; Morris, ME (BIOMED CENTRAL LTD, 2012-07-17)
    BACKGROUND: The relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers is little understood and any effects on caregiver strain remain unclear. This paper examines these relationships in an Australian sample. METHODS: Using the generic EuroQol (EQ-5D) and disease-specific Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 Item (PDQ-39), HRQoL was evaluated in a sample of 97 people with PD and their caregivers. Caregiver strain was assessed using the Modified Caregiver Strain Index. Associations were evaluated between: (i) caregiver and care-recipient HRQoL; (ii) caregiver HRQoL and caregiver strain, and; (iii) between caregiver strain and care-recipient HRQoL. RESULTS: No statistically significant relationships were found between caregiver and care-recipient HRQoL, or between caregiver HRQoL and caregiver strain. Although this Australian sample of caregivers experienced relatively good HRQoL and moderately low strain, a significant correlation was found between HRQoL of people with PD and caregiver strain (rho 0.43, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Poor HRQoL in people with PD is associated with higher strain in caregivers. Therapy interventions may target problems reported as most troublesome by people with PD, with potential to reduce strain on the caregiver.
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    Feasibility, Safety, and Compliance in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Physical Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
    McGinley, JL ; Martin, C ; Huxham, FE ; Menz, HB ; Danoudis, M ; Murphy, AT ; Watts, JJ ; Iansek, R ; Morris, ME (HINDAWI LTD, 2012)
    Both efficacy and clinical feasibility deserve consideration in translation of research outcomes. This study evaluated the feasibility of rehabilitation programs within the context of a large randomized controlled trial of physical therapy. Ambulant participants with Parkinson's disease (PD) (n = 210) were randomized into three groups: (1) progressive strength training (PST); (2) movement strategy training (MST); or (3) control ("life skills"). PST and MST included fall prevention education. Feasibility was evaluated in terms of safety, retention, adherence, and compliance measures. Time to first fall during the intervention phase did not differ across groups, and adverse effects were minimal. Retention was high; only eight participants withdrew during or after the intervention phase. Strong adherence (attendance >80%) did not differ between groups (P = .435). Compliance in the therapy groups was high. All three programs proved feasible, suggesting they may be safely implemented for people with PD in community-based clinical practice.
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    Protocol for a home-based integrated physical therapy program to reduce falls and improve mobility in people with Parkinson's disease
    Morris, ME ; Martin, C ; McGinley, JL ; Huxham, FE ; Menz, HB ; Taylor, NF ; Danoudis, M ; Watts, JJ ; Soh, S-E ; Evans, AH ; Horne, M ; Kempster, P (BMC, 2012-07-16)
    BACKGROUND: The high incidence of falls associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) increases the risk of injuries and immobility and compromises quality of life. Although falls education and strengthening programs have shown some benefit in healthy older people, the ability of physical therapy interventions in home settings to reduce falls and improve mobility in people with Parkinson's has not been convincingly demonstrated. METHODS/DESIGN: 180 community living people with PD will be randomly allocated to receive either a home-based integrated rehabilitation program (progressive resistance strength training, movement strategy training and falls education) or a home-based life skills program (control intervention). Both programs comprise one hour of treatment and one hour of structured homework per week over six weeks of home therapy. Blinded assessments occurring before therapy commences, the week after completion of therapy and 12 months following intervention will establish both the immediate and long-term benefits of home-based rehabilitation. The number of falls, number of repeat falls, falls rate and time to first fall will be the primary measures used to quantify outcome. The economic costs associated with injurious falls, and the costs of running the integrated rehabilitation program from a health system perspective will be established. The effects of intervention on motor and global disability and on quality of life will also be examined. DISCUSSION: This study will provide new evidence on the outcomes and cost effectiveness of home-based movement rehabilitation programs for people living with PD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12608000390381).