EFFICACY OF THREE- MODAL EXERCISE PROGRAM THROUGH TELEREHABILITATION ON FATIGUE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE DURING THE COVID- 19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN

Abstract

Background: - Excessive daytime fatigue had been unattended and unidentified by the patients, caregivers, and medical – rehabilitation team. Fatigue in Parkinson’s Disease has worsened the quality of life and has increased the disability. With the outbreak of the pandemic in 2019, medical and rehabilitation services have become inaccessible. Telerehabilitation is attempting to bridge this gap. Aim and objective: - In this study, we have evaluated the probable effects of the Three-Modal Exercise program administered through video conferencing (telerehabilitation) on fatigue and quality of life in people with Parkinson’s Disease. Methods: - We conducted a randomized controlled trial in which patients with Parkinson’s Disease voluntarily participated based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were randomly assigned to the Three-Modal Exercise program as group A and Conventional exercise group as group B. Both the groups received 36 sessions of 1 hour each day for 6 days/ week for 6 weeks through zoom online. Fatigue in both the groups was measured with the Fatigue severity scale and quality of life was measured with Parkinson’s Disease questionnaire – 39. Results: -Both fatigue (P< 0.001) and quality of life(P<0.001) improved more significantly in the Three- Modal Exercise program intervention group A than the conventional control group B. Conclusion: - Three Mod- Exercise Program can be used as an effective intervention for the patients with Parkinson’s

Disease through telerehabilitation thus enhancing the need of self-management among these patients.