The Feasibility and Positive Effects of Wuqinxi Exercise on the Cognitive and Motor Functions of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system common in middle-aged and elderly people, which has a serious impact on patients’ cognitive and motor functions. Exercise can improve the nonmotor symptoms of PD patients, but the optimal type of exercise for the cognitive function of patients is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is the impact of 12 weeks of Wuqinxi exercise on the cognitive and motor function in PD patients. Methods. Thirty PD patients participated in the study and were randomly assigned to two groups: Wuqinxi group (n = 15) or stretching group (n = 15). All the participants performed a 12-week exercise program twice a week, 90 min/session. The assessments were conducted before and after exercise intervention, included cognitive function (frontal assessment battery (FAB); Stroop test I and II), motor functions (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS-III); timed up and go (TUG)). Results. We found the FAB and Stroop I scores were significantly higher in the Wuqinxi group than in the stretching group. Participants in the Wuqinxi group significantly improved their UPDRS-III (17.73 ± 9.88) and TUG (10.50 ± 1.79) score after 12 weeks of training intervention. Conclusion. The results show that the use of Wuqinxi for rehabilitation therapy for cognition is feasible, widely accepted, and effective in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This study provides preliminary evidence for further large-scale and controlled studies.

Examining the Delivery of a Tailored Chinese Mind-Body Exercise to Low-Income Community-Dwelling Older Latino Individuals for Healthy Aging: Feasibility and Acceptability Study

“…Despite the light to moderate intensity of the Five Animal Frolics, the responsiveness in the healthy aging-related outcomes was promising and showed an effect size consistent with published randomized controlled trials in older adults with longer intervention durations using traditional Western exercises [78], tai chi [79,80], or Five Animal Frolics [81,82]. Of particular interest were the changes in the 5-time sit-to-stand and SF-12 physical component scores, which were reflective of improvements in physical functions for independent living among older adults [83,84].…”

Whether mindfulness-guided therapy can be a new direction for the rehabilitation of patients with Parkinson’s disease: a network meta-analysis of non-pharmacological alternative motor-/sensory-based interventions

“…After selection, 58 studies ( Chaiwanichsiri et al, 2011 ; Duncan and Earhart, 2012 , 2014 ; Li et al, 2012 , 2018 , 2021 , 2022 ; Amano et al, 2013 ; Cheon et al, 2013 ; Corcos et al, 2013 ; Hye-Jung et al, 2013 ; Nocera et al, 2013 ; Volpe et al, 2013 ; Gao et al, 2014 ; Chen et al, 2015 ; Hashimoto et al, 2015 ; Rios Romenets et al, 2015 ; Sharma et al, 2015 ; Zhang et al, 2015 ; Choi, 2016 ; Kluger et al, 2016 ; Pantelyat et al, 2016 ; Ventura et al, 2016 ; Wong-Yu and Mak, 2016 ; Xiao and Zhuang, 2016 ; Kunkel et al, 2017 ; Lou et al, 2017 ; Cheung et al, 2018 ; Kong et al, 2018 ; Kurt et al, 2018 ; Lee et al, 2018 ; Michels et al, 2018 ; Van Puymbroeck et al, 2018 ; Vergara-Diaz et al, 2018 ; Kalyani et al, 2019 , 2020 ; Kwok et al, 2019 , 2022 ; Poier et al, 2019 ; Rawson et al, 2019 ; Solla et al, 2019 ; Wroblewska et al, 2019 ; Burt et al, 2020 ; Cancela et al, 2020 ; Dos Santos Delabary et al, 2020 ; Elangovan et al, 2020 ; Jang et al, 2020 ; Khuzema et al, 2020 ; Moon et al, 2020 ; Pohl et al, 2020 ; Cherup et al, 2021 ; Fodor et al, 2021 ; Frisaldi et al, 2021 ; Shen et al, 2021 ; Brandin-de la Cruz et al, 2022 ; ...…”

The Rehabilitative Effect of Archery Exercise Intervention in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

“…Additionally, participants in the experimental group improved their mentation, behavior, and mood (as assessed using UPDRS I) after the archery intervention, suggesting that practicing the archery exercise may have the potential to induce joyful feelings or even self-fulfillment feelings in patients with PD who succeeded in shooting the target point repeatedly, which in turn decreased their depressive symptoms. It is worth noting that similar to other complementary approaches such as Wuqinxi exercise [ 32 , 33 ], yoga [ 34 ], and active theatre [ 36 , 37 ], the archery approach also helps to improve psychological well-being.…”

“…In addition to the usual exercise interventions described above, Qigong [ 29 , 30 ], Tai Chi [ 31 ], Wuqinxi [ 32 , 33 ], yoga [ 34 ], Irish set dancing [ 35 ], active theatre therapy [ 36 , 37 ], and archery [ 15 ] were proposed as complementary therapeutic methods for improving the motor function of patients with PD, and empirical evidence showed more or less favorable effects not only on motor function but also on psychological well-being (e.g., the reduction in depression, apathy, and anxiety). Although archery training was much less applied, it appeared to be a promising approach for improving upper extremity functions.…”