ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe any effect of threshold pressure loaded inspiratory muscle training on the balance of persons with Parkinson′s disease (PD).Methods:Forty-eight persons with PD were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 24. Both groups were given conventional neurological drug treatment and conventional rehabilitation training. The observation group additionally completed inspiratory muscle training using a threshold pressure load trainer, 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Before and after the treatment, both groups′ inspiratory muscle functioning was quantified using ultrasound to assess diaphragm mobility and thickness, and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). Balance was quantified using Trunk Injury Scale (TIS) scoring, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), limits of stability (LOS), and the timed up and go test (TUGT). Walking was evaluated using the 10-metre walk test (10MWT) and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI).Results:After the treatment all of the indicators had improved significantly in both groups, on average, but those of the observation group were then significantly better. Correlation analysis showed that the difference in MIP of the observation group before and after treatment was significantly negatively correlated with the TUGT and 10MWT times.Conclusion:Threshold pressure loaded inspiratory muscle training combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy significantly improves the inspiratory muscle strength, balance and walking of persons with PD.