Upper limbs fitts' task - global exercise versus focused handwriting exercise training in Parkinson’s disease

Considering PwPD rehabilitation, some interventions prioritise global training such as aerobic exercise, aquatic therapy, dance, strength/resistance, balance training, and endurance training, while others focus on upper limb specific training such as hand exercises, and writing activities. In our previous studies we found improvement in motor symptoms in favour of the exercise group and improvements in writing amplitude in favour of the handwriting group. However, there is still a gap in the knowledge: “What is the influence of global and specific movements in the improvement in accuracy and speed?”. The answer for this question would help clinicians to understand how to promote better clinical treatments in order to improve the accuracy and speed of PwPD, improving their functional movements.
Seventy PwPD, right-side dominant were randomised 1:1 into two six-month training protocol groups; 35 PwPD performed global exercise training and 35 specific training (handwriting upper limb exercise movements). Assessments of speed-accuracy and trade-off were carried out at baseline, at 3 and 6 months of training, and at a 12-month follow-up.