There has been growing interest in research into these
therapies in recent years, partly because – helpful as the drugs are – many people
with Parkinson’s still have some problems even when they are on the best possible
drug treatment. There are many active researchers investigating management and
rehabilitation aspects of Parkinson’s involving physical therapies.
A big problem in planning research into these therapies is
that double-blind trials are
not possible, as you cannot pretend to give someone physiotherapy or speech exercises!
It is also difficult to gather together large groups of people whose medication
will remain unchanged during the time it takes to complete the research. In
spite of these problems some interesting studies have been done to identify
particular methods of treatment for problems such as small steps, hurrying
gait, freezing in doorways, speech problems and facial immobility.
Another strand of research has looked at the availability
of these services, and has found evidence both of lack of referrals to
therapists and of shortage of resources. These studies, and the pressure from people
with Parkinson’s and their relatives, have almost certainly helped to increase
awareness of the contribution made by the physical therapies.
Other studies have looked at the best ways of delivering
these services (for example, at home rather than in hospitals), and at ways of
involving carers and so improving the likelihood that exercises will be
continued and good habits maintained when the visits to the therapist come to
an end. Interdisciplinary approaches, where several different professions work together to resolve management
of Parkinson’s or quality of life issues are also important features of research
of this kind.
