OBJECTIVE: Additionally to regular medication, alternative drug-free treatments such as exercise or physical therapy, do not cause any side effects and play an important role in Parkinson's treatment. Recent scientific findings suggest very positive effects of movement training at high cadence, the so-called "forced exercise" (FE). The present paper investigates the effects of a home-based passive FE cycling training on general motor function and quality of life in Parkinson's patients. STUDY DESIGN: 44 Parkinson's patients (68.5 +/- 7.8 years) were randomized to control group (n = 23; age 71.3 +/- 4.0 years) and intervention group (n = 21; age 67.5 +/- 7.8 years). The intervention (IG) group completed a 10 week FE cycling program with a motor-assisted movement therapy device (MOTOmed viva2-Parkinson, RECK). The subjects were encouraged to perform a daily 40 minute MOTOmed training session, at up to 90 revolutions per minute, in addition to their regular therapy (medication and physical therapy). Motor function and quality of life measures were assessed three times during the study period, a total of 25 test items were recorded (TMT-Battery = 15 items, tremor spiral test = 2 items, PDQ-8 = 8 items). Subjects of the control group (KG) continued their standard therapy. RESULTS: The results of the study show significant improvements in walking ability (walking time F = 13.31; p = 0.000; partial-eta2 = 0.241; walking steps F = 6.44; p = 0.000; partial-eta2 = 0.133) and hand coordination (diadochokinesia of the right arm F = 3.76; p = 0.03; partial-eta2 = 0.082). CONCLUSION: Device-supported FE movement training of the lower extremities leads to improvements in walking ability and hand motor function, which suggest FE may be affecting central motor control processes. To proof these findings the authors recommend further studies.

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