The aim of this literature review is to analyse how physiotherapy and rehabilitation protocols have evolved over time, taking into account how new technologies have impacted the rehabilitation field.
Authors searched for English articles published in 2000 and in 2024 in the electronic database PubMed using the following MeSH Terms, combined to maximize the sensitivity of the search strategy: (“parkinson disease”) AND (“physical therapy modalities”) AND (“rehabilitation”). Articles were screened by title and abstract, using the following inclusion criteria for selection: (1) randomized controlled trials; (2) written in English language; (3) published on indexed journals; and (4) dealing with physiotherapy methods in the management of Parkinson disease. The exclusion criteria were (1) non-randomized trials; (2) reviews; (3) papers written in other languages than English; and (4) data not dealing with the management of Parkinson disease. 3 articles from 2000 and 11 articles from 2024 were included in this review.
In 2000, the physical rehabilitation programs employed in the articles analysed consisted in exercises for the stimulation of postural control , passive muscle stretching exercises for rigidity and joint mobility, specific motor tasks for hypokinesia and movement strategies to prevent falls and to initiate and maintain gait.
In 2024 articles, the rehabilitation protocols are implemented with new technologies. In fact, in addition to a conventional rehabilitation program that follows the European Physiotherapy guidelines for Parkinson’s disease, patients perform exercises with Virtual Reality, Motor Imagery, robotic exoskeleton and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG (LSVT BIG) protocols.
This narrative review highlights how the physiotherapy and rehabilitation field developed over the years. The different number of articles found and the techniques used and performed by the patient suggest how physiotherapy has adapted to new technologies keeping up with the times. It will be interesting to see how in 10 or 20 years this field will further evolve.
With this project, it is clear how physiotherapy has conformed to new rehabilitation approaches, closely linked to technology. The results of this narrative review can be easily translated into physiotherapy practice and management, because they could be an opportunity in order to choice intervention strategies for tailored physiotherapy treatment.
Physiotherapy
new technologies
