ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A recent survey reported a high risk of drowning in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. This study intended to assess PD patients' swimming ability and explore the disease-related characteristics that may affect this. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in idiopathic PD patients. The assessment included swimming in 2 different styles and the evaluation of isolated technical gestures. The primary outcome was the frequency of patients who were able to swim. Limb coordination, blockage episodes, and capacity to maintain the body in a horizontal position were also evaluated. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were evaluated. Three patients were able to swim according to the predefined definition. The inability to maintain the horizontal position and floatability were the main reasons identified for the decrease in swimming performance. CONCLUSIONS: Swimming ability is compromised in some PD patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the global frequency of swimming difficulties in PD patients and their contributing factors. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
