Current practices of burst vs. spaced physical therapy applied to Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) results in progressive worsening of mobility deficits which may profoundly impact quality of life, caregiver burden, and healthcare utilization [1,2]. To mitigate PD symptoms, physical therapy (PT) is commonly prescribed in conjunction with pharmacotherapy [1]. PT for neurological disorders is most commonly prescribed as a ‘burst’ of short-term, closely spaced visits over 6–12 weeks [3]. A recent pilot randomized clinical trial suggests patients with PD may be more likely to maintain mobility when receiving ‘spaced’ PT sessions over 6 months or longer when compared to the same number of visits delivered in t he traditional ‘burst’ schedule [4].
Source: Parkinsonism and Related Disorders - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research