Acute Cardiovascular and Metabolic Responses to Three Modes of Treadmill Exercise in Older Adults with Parkinson’s Disease

Authors

Nicholas A. Levine, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
Brandon R. Rigby, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
Ron Davis, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
Kevin Becker, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
David L. Nichols Ph.D., FACSM, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
Marco AvalosFollow
Leah GoudyFollow
Patricia MooFollow
Cecil FrederickFollow
Desiree Patterson, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
Mitchell RobuckFollow
Gena D. Guerin, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
Kristen A. Codish, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
Karrie BeckFollow
Georgette ReyesFollow
Doris PatinoFollow
Brenda De La CruzFollow

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by muscle tremors, rigidity and dyskinesis leading to balance and gait abnormalities that could alter physiologic responses during exercise. Locomotion on an aquatic treadmill (ATM) or anti-gravity treadmill (AGTM) may be a safe alternative to exercise on a traditional land treadmill (LTM) in those with PD. PUPROSE: To determine the acute cardiovascular and metabolic responses to three different modes of treadmill exercise in older adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. METHODS: Eight adults diagnosed with PD (68 ± 3 years of age) completed one exercise session on an LTM, one session on an ATM, and one session on an AGTM at 50% body weight. Participants walked from 1 to 3 mph in 0.5 mph increments at 0% grade during each exercise session. Heart rate (HR), energy expenditure (EE), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at rest and during steady-state exercise at each speed on each treadmill. Rate of perceived exertion was also measured during steady-state exercise. Rate pressure product (RPP) was calculated. RESULTS: All variables, with the exception of DBP, increased as speed increased across all treadmill modes (p < 0.001). Between treadmill modes across all speeds, EE was statistically different (p = 0.025). There was a significant interaction effect for mode and speed for HR (p < 0.001) and RPP (p = 0.003). At all speeds except 1.5 mph, HR was higher on the LTM versus the AGTM (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exercising on an ATM or an AGTM elicits similar physiologic responses to exercise on an LTM in adults with PD

Recommended Citation

Levine, Nicholas A.; Rigby, Brandon R.; Davis, Ron; Becker, Kevin; Nichols, David L. Ph.D., FACSM; Avalos, Marco; Goudy, Leah; Moo, Patricia; Frederick, Cecil; Patterson, Desiree; Robuck, Mitchell; Guerin, Gena D.; Codish, Kristen A.; Beck, Karrie; Reyes, Georgette; Patino, Doris; and De La Cruz, Brenda (2017) "Acute Cardiovascular and Metabolic Responses to Three Modes of Treadmill Exercise in Older Adults with Parkinson’s Disease," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 9, Article 72.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss9/72