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Functional Outcomes Following a 10-Week PD Warrior Program: A Real-World Clinical Follow-Up of a Neuroplasticity-Driven Exercise Approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative condition worldwide, placing increasing burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. While pharmacological and device-assisted therapies remain central to management, their effectiveness may diminish over time and can be accompanied by significant adverse effects. Targeted, high-intensity exercise has emerged as an important adjunctive therapy, with the PD Warrior program representing a structured, neuroplasticity-driven approach designed specifically for people with PD. To evaluate functional mobility, gait, balance, and disease stage outcomes following participation in a 10-week PD Warrior program delivered within a physiotherapy clinic as part of a multimodal treatment approach. Methods: 29 participants with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (eight females, 21 males; Hoehn & Yahr Stages 1–3) had follow-up assessments at various times after a 10-week PD Warrior program. The program consisted of one weekly 60 min high-intensity, neuroplasticity-based group class combined with a structured home exercise program performed 5–6 days per week. Outcomes included the Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT; measuring time and steps), Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems test (Mini-BESTest), and Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) Stage. Pre- and post-program data were analyzed using non-parametric statistics and the TUG and mini-BEST tests were interpreted with reference to published minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds. Results: Both median TUG time and median step length showed a statistical improvement after the PD Warrior program. 13 of 24 participants showed an improvement in TUG above MCID with six showing a deterioration. Similarly, with step length, 12 of 20 participants showed improvement and five showed a deterioration. There was a nonsignificant increase in median walking speed, with 14 of 21 participants showing an improvement and seven showing a deterioration. For balance, a similar number of participants showed improvement (12) and deterioration (10), while for H&Y disease Stage, most participants (18 of 29) remained the same, although slightly more improved (eight) than deteriorated (three). Conclusions: Participation in a 10-week PD Warrior program was associated with improvements in functional mobility and gait efficiency, but not balance, while disease stage was maintained. While these findings are consistent with the goals of PD Warrior as a structured, neuroplasticity-driven exercise intervention within a multimodal model of Parkinson’s disease care, more work is needed to establish any link between the intervention and improvements in functional mobility.

Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.3390/jcm15207915

Authors: Orla Hares, Melissa McConaghy, Victoria D’Alessio, Ann Liebert

Institutions: McMaster University, Macquarie University, Shepherd University

Language: English

Topic: Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention

Subfield: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137