Effects of progressive muscle relaxation on levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the effects of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on levodopa (L-DOPA)-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and determines whether the incidence of dyskinesias could be reduced by PMR. Method: A quasiexperimental study, with a control group (CG), was designed to compare compliance pre-post training. Patients (N = 20) with mild to moderate PD, over 45 years old, who were being treated with the drug L-DOPA and had dyskinesias. The experimental group (EG) (n = 10) received PMR training for 60 min each time, two times a week and lasted for 5 weeks. The CG (n = 10) received no intervention. The main outcome measures were Parkinson Disease Dyskinesia Scale (PDYS-26), Brief Symptom Check List (LSB-50), Movement Disorder Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) VI, and occurrences of dyskinesias. Results: PMR resulted in a reduction in clinician rated of dyskinesia severity. To explore the effect of PMR on PDYS-26, we use ANOVA to analyze the factors and interaction effects. After 5-week follow-up, statistically significant differences were found in the EG (pre-post test) (F = 20.364; p < .000; η 2 = .53). Significant differences were also found between EG and CG (posttest) (F = 16.674; p = .001, η 2 = .47; confidence interval for EG was −55.6 to −17.3, and for CG −.8 to 5.1). Conclusions: The outcomes support the hypothesis that patients with PD benefit from PMR added to their standard medication. PMR could improve dyskinesias and with it, the ability to speak, move, walk, and perform ADL. Public Significance StatementL-DOPA therapy used in the treatment of PD is associated with the onset of dyskinesia and behavioral addictions. Dyskinesias affect people's ability to perform ADL (preparing meals, housekeeping, climbing stairs, and shopping), and PMR is an effective practice for LID of benefit to patients with PD.