| Methods |
Parallel group design. Randomisation method not given. Data analysed on a per protocol basis.
Treated as outpatients, for 20 hours over 5 weeks.
Assessed at baseline and immediately after treatment, 6 and 12 months later. Assessors were blinded. |
| Participants |
32 patients per arm. 3 drop outs from treatment group, 2 from control group. Patients mean age 60.9 years (treatment), 65.3 years (controls). Gender not given. Mean Hoehn and Yahr 2.8 (treatment), 2.7 (controls).
Inclusion criteria: IPD for over 1 year, Hoehn and Yahr stage II‐IV, living at home, being able to attend, residing in city limits or surrounding suburbs, signed consent form. No exclusion criteria stated. |
| Interventions |
Treatment group: Groups of 8 patients. Mobility activities using visual and auditory cues, aiming at improving balance, posture, gait, range of motion and facial mobility. Dexterity activities such as games & writing exercises, aimed at improving finger manipulation, accuracy and speed. Functional activities discussing practising problematic ADL. Educational talks from occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, social worker, dietician and nurse. Socialisation. Given list of activities to practise at home.
Control group: No treatment described.
Drug therapy was not described. |
| Outcomes |
Barthel Index.
Extrapyramidal symptoms rating scale ‐ physical and motor signs.
Purdue Pegboard Test.
Bradburn Index of Psychological Well‐Being.
Assessed before noon ‐ but 'on' or 'off' state of patients was not stated. |
| Notes |
Occupational therapy complemented by talks from physiotherapist & speech pathologists. |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
B ‐ Unclear |
