Introduction

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease. Tremor, muscle rigidity, stooped posture, loss of balance and myofascial pain are common musculoskeletal effects of Parkinson Disease. The effects of hydrotherapy, movement therapy, manual therapy, and more specifically, Osteopathic interventions have been evaluated and these therapies proved to be highly effective in managing and improving some of the clinical features of PD. On the other hand, Naprapathy is effective in the management of musculoskeletal disorders and pain. Aquatic Osteopathy-Naprapathy Therapy combines the benefits of Osteopathy, Naprapathy and hydrotherapy for the purpose of relaxation, restoration, prevention, and management of numerous conditions affecting the fascial and musculoskeletal systems. And consequently, improving organ function, mobility, flexibility, motor control and quality of movement.

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Objective

To evaluate the effects of Aquatic Osteopathy-Naprapathy Therapy on Parkinson’s Disease.

 

Methods

The participant underwent twelve Aquatic Osteopathy-Naprapathy interventions. The primary outcome measures were PD-specific questionnaires and PRoM assessments. 

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Results

The twelve Aquatic Osteopathy-Naprapathy interventions were correlated with significant improvement in the Passive Range of Motion (PRoM) of the participant, as follows:

- At the beginning of the first intervention, all the 25 joints or areas assessed exhibited PRoM values under 25% of what is considered to be an optimal passive range. 

- At the end of the last intervention, none of the joints assessed exhibited values under 25% of the optimal PRoM, 5 joints exhibited a value within 25<50%, 11 joints within 50<75%, and 9 joints between 75<100% of optimal PRoM.

 

After comparing his condition prior to and after the 12 interventions, the participant reported improvement in 18 out of a total of 25 PD related features, as follows:

- Significant increase in muscle rigidity (trunk and neck), posture, loss of balance, bradykinesia, bladder and blood pressure problems, and loss of motivation.

- Mild improvement in tremor (upper limbs), muscle rigidity (upper and lower extremities), freezing, breathing dysfunctions, problems with swallowing or chewing, cognitive difficulties, depression, fear or anxiety, sleeping disorders and energy loss or fatigue. 

- No change on continuity of movements (starting/finishing/linking actions), identifying odours, dry eyes, and gastrointestinal disorders. 

 

A more detailed examination comparing the participant’s condition after each individual session showed relapse in: 

- Difficulty identifying or differentiating certain odours changed from “frequently” to “all the time”.

 

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate there is a clear potential in incorporating Aquatic Osteopathy-Naprapathy Therapy aka "Napraquatic Medicine", for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease.

 

The twelve Aquatic Osteopathy-Naprapathy interventions were correlated with improvement in the participant’s overall PD related condition as well as increased Passive Range of Motion and quality of movement. As demonstrated in previous research,1  this study suggests that the improvement in energy loss or fatigue reported by the participant may be correlated to a significant improvement in muscle rigidity.

 

In addition to the above-mentioned outcomes, the participant reported improvement in various social, psychological, and physiological aspects that were not considered on the PD specific questionnaires. Previous research has suggested the effect of hydrotherapy “is also reflected in non-motor domains, since improving domains such as physical discomfort and mobility can influence psychological and emotional aspects”.2 

 

Keywords

Parkinson’s disease; Osteopathy; Naprapathy; Hydrotherapy; Aquatic; Aqua Therapy.

 

References

[1] Nelson, Alexis K. (2021). "The effects of rigidity on energy expenditure during walking in Parkinson Disease". Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2167. https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/2167 

[2] Amaral, S., Cruz, P., Ribeiro, AM ., Araújo, R., Cantista, P. (2018) Benefits of Hydrotherapy in Parkinson’s Disease. Bol Soc Esp Hidrol Med Vol. 33, Supl. 1, 198-199.​