Impact of Physiotherapy Absence in COVID-19 Pandemic on Neurological State of Patients With Parkinson Disease

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on patients with Parkinson disease in the absence of physiotherapy interventions. We analyzed 42 patient surveys on motor and mental aspects in the neurological state. The survey was conducted in 3 primary care–level clinics specialized in neurological rehabilitation in the seventh week of COVID-19 restrictions, which started on March 13, 2020. A number of deteriorations, worsening of disorder, and emerging conditions were found. The absence of physiotherapy interventions in COVID-19 restrictions had a significant multidimensional impact on the neurological state of patients with Parkinson disease.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on (Health) Care Situation of People with Parkinson’s Disease in Germany (Care4PD)

“…In addition to these suggestions and the general limitations, disruptions of everyday activities and reduced access to health care and therapists might further complicate the situation of people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Global and regional studies from America (US, Canada, Brazil), Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Iran Israel, Turkey), North Africa (Egypt), or European countries (Luxembourg, Netherlands, UK, Italy, Spain, Slovenia) reported wide-ranging consequences of the pandemic on PwP, such as worsened motor and non-motor symptoms [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], a negative impact on mental health [ 29 ], a decline in quality of life [ 20 , 21 , 30 ], disrupted social and medical activities [ 12 , 13 ], impaired access to PD medication [ 21 , 31 , 32 ], or other unmet needs such as emotional distress, problems with rescheduling appointments with health care providers, and reduction in physical activity [ 2 , 14 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 33 , 34 ]. On the other side, although hours of caregiving at home and caregiver burden increased [ 33 ], patients and caregivers seem to be well informed and to have coped well in some studies [ 35 , 36 , 37 ].…”

Effects of Telemedicine for Postural Instability in Independent Patients With Parkinson's Disease

“…25 Another interesting result is coming from the evidence that standard technology, such as a smartphone, can be integrated into a specifically designed app and inertial movement unit to promote a rehabilitation strategy embedded in a patient's daily life. 26,38 Similarly, we appreciated that the welldetailed ACSM's guidelines can be proficiently exploited to deliver a home-based rehabilitation program with the aim to attenuate MDS-UPDRS motor scores. 28 Overall, the studies presented in this review based their approach on the empowerment of patients' competencies and attitudes in developing coping strategies toward the disease effects.…”

Survey on Changes in Neurophysiotherapy at a Hospital/Clinic and Home-Based Settings in India During COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This effect resulted in a decreased health-seeking practice by patients and increased numbers in those with residual neurological impairments such as paralysis, motor weakness, sensory dysfunction, vestibular disorders and autonomic dysfunctions. 4 Neurological physiotherapy emphasizes on principles of neuroplasticity and neuromuscular adaptations to facilitate functional recovery of the brain. 5 The concept of "earlier the better" has been reiterated by various trials for multiple neurological conditions.…”

“…This effect resulted in a decreased health-seeking practice by patients and increased numbers in those with residual neurological impairments such as paralysis, motor weakness, sensory dysfunction, vestibular disorders and autonomic dysfunctions. 4…”