Multidisciplinary intensive outpatient rehabilitation program for patients with moderate-to-advanced Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND: Intensive, multi-disciplinary, rehabilitation programs for patients with Parkinson's disease (PWPs) have shown to be effective. However, most programs are based on in-patient service, which is expensive. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of a multidisciplinary, intensive, outpatient rehabilitation program (MIOR) for moderate to advanced Parkinson's Disease (H&Y >= 2). METHOD: The MIOR program takes place at a community rehabilitation center (`Ezra Le'Marpe'), 3 times a week, 5 hours, 8 weeks, and includes 20 PWPs in each cycle. The multi-disciplinary team includes physical, occupational, speech and hydro therapists. Additional activities include, social work groups, boxing, dancing and bridge. RESULTS: Data was collected retroactively for the first two years. Data analysis includes 158 patient files who completed the program (mean disease duration 10.1 +/- 6 and mean H&Y stage 2.8 +/- 0.67). Assessments were performed at the beginning and end of the intervention. Positive results were collected: improvement in number of falls (p < 0.0001), Functional Independence Measure (p < 0.0001), quality of life (p < 0.01), balance (p < 0.0001), upper limb function (p < 0.0001) and paragraph reading vocal intensity (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: MIOR is a feasible program, showing positive results in moderate to advanced PWP's, improving quality of life, daily function, and motor performance. The current outcomes demonstrate feasibility of MIOR in addition to medical treatment.