Comparative Impact of Power Training and High-Speed Yoga on Motor Function in Older Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Author: Ni M1, Signorile JF2, Mooney K3, Balachandran A1, Potiaumpai M1, Luca C4, Moore JG5, Kuenze CM1, Eltoukhy M1, Perry AC1. Affiliation: 1Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL. 2Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL; Center on Aging, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL. Electronic address: jsignorile@miami.edu. 3Green Monkey Yoga, Miami, FL. 4Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL. 5Department of Physical Therapy, University of Miami, Miami, FL. Conference/Journal: Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Date published: 2015 Nov 4 Other: Pages: S0003-9993(15)01396-9 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.10.095 , Word Count: 235 OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of power training (PWT) and a high-speed yoga program (YOGA) on physical performances in older patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). We hypothesized that both training interventions would attenuate PD symptoms and improve physical performance. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University of Miami Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-one patients with PD (72.2±6.5 y) INTERVENTIONS: Two high-speed exercise interventions (specifically designed yoga and power training) were given for 12 weeks (twice/wk), and one non-exercise control group (CON). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Mini-Balance Evaluation Test System (Mini-BEST), timed up-and-go (TUG), functional reach (FR), single leg stance (SLS), postural sway test (PS), 10-m usual (Uwalk) and maximal walking speed (Mwalk) tests, 1 repetition maximum (1RM), and peak power (PPW) for leg press. RESULTS: For the post-tests, both training groups showed significant improvements (p<.05) in all physical measurements except FR on the more affected side, SLS and PS compared to the pretests, and significantly better scores for UPDRS, BBS, Mini-BEST, TUG, FR less affected side, Uwalk, Mwalk,1RM, and PPW than CON, with no differences detected between YOGA and PWT. CONCLUSION: Both the specially-designed YOGA and PWT programs can significantly improve physical performance in older persons with PD. Copyright © 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. KEYWORDS: Aging; Balance; High-speed training; Muscle power; Muscle strength PMID: 26546987