Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Kristin Johnson

Keywords

Acoustic Stimulation; Music Therapy; Parkinson Disease -- therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities

Abstract

Background. A multidisciplinary approach combining physical therapy and music therapy can improve functional mobility in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Objective. The authors studied whether a multidisciplinary approach of PT and MT would reduce the primary symptoms associated with PD.

Methods. In a single subject design, one patient participated in the following interventions; seated activities, task-specific training, balance and posture, pre-gait activities, and gait activities. The patient was evaluated on the first, mid-term, and last days of treatment. Evaluations included the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOGQ), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), Five Times Sit-to-Stand (STSTS), GAITrite® assessment, and the Functional Reach.

Results. The patient improved scores on the PDQ-39, FOGQ, BBS, and the STSTS at the end of 12 weeks of treatment. Improvements were shown on the TUG at mid-term but the patient could not maintain these improvements for the entire length of treatment due to comorbidities.

Conclusion. Patients with PD can achieve improvements in functional assessments, outcome measures, functional mobility, and quality of life from a multidisciplinary approach of physical therapy and music therapy.

COinS