SummaryParkinson's disease (PD) is a common and costly condition affecting a predominantly older population. Physical rehabilitation has been shown to enhance motor performance and functional mobility in the shortterm. However, there is limited information available about how best to design and deliver an ambulatory rehabilitation (AR) programme for this patient group. This article reviews the current evidence, aiming to provide guidance about best-practice service provision. We highlight the benefits of group therapy and techniques aimed at reducing falls. Further research is required to determine the optimal dose and intensity of AR necessary to provide sustained benefits in people with different stages of PD.

Objective: The 3 objectives of this study were to determine if a circuit group exercise program targeting balance was effective and feasible for patients with Parkinson's disease; to determine if any improvements were sustained at 6 months post-intervention and to evaluate patients' quality of life pre-and post-intervention.Design: A pre and post observational clinical study.Subjects: Participants were community-dwelling patients with PD referred outpatient rehabilitation at metropolitan hospital. Methods:The intervention involved a weekly 1-hour circuit training class conducted for 8 weeks. Clinical measures of balance, mobility and quality of life were taken on commencement of the program, on completion of the program and at six months post completion.Results: There were significant improvements in some aspects of balance following completion of the program however these were not sustained at 6-months postintervention. Self-rated health status was generally poor, but program satisfaction was high. Conclusion:For this group of patient circuit balance classes were feasible and safe. Further studies are required to better examine the effects of this treatment approach for people with Parkinson's disease. The 3 objectives were to determine if a groupbased exercise program targeting balance was effective in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD); determine the sustainability of any improvements at 6 months postintervention and evaluate quality of life (QoL) pre-and post-intervention. Participants are community-dwelling patients with PD and balance impairment attending circuit balance classes between 2007 and 2010 (N=19). The intervention involves a weekly 1-hour group-based circuit training exercise class over 8 weeks. The outcome measures were: Timed Up and Go, Functional Reach, Step Test, and EQ-5D Health Questionnaire etc. There was a significant improvement in performance on the Step Test after the intervention. This was not sustained at 6-months post-intervention. Selfrated health status was generally poor, but program satisfaction was high. Circuit balance classes result in a short-term improvement in balance in patients with PD, but do not appear to alter QoL. The exercise intervention may offer additional benefits.