MOTOR PHYSIOTHERAPY IN IMPROVING GAIT AND BALANCE IN PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Abstract

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects gait, balance and postural control, compromising functionality and autonomy. With the reduction of drug efficacy over time, motor physiotherapy becomes essential to slow the progression of symptoms and preserve independence. This study reviewed the recent literature on physiotherapeutic interventions aimed at improving gait, balance and functionality in individuals with PD, through an integrative review on national and international bases. The findings indicated that techniques such as double task training, rhythmic auditory stimuli, PNF, progressive resistance training, virtual reality, TRIA and gait training with external stimuli are effective to improve postural stability, gait automaticity and functional independence. It is concluded that motor physiotherapy is fundamental in the management of PD, especially when applied in a structured, individualized and progressive way, integrating motor and sensory stimuli to increase functional gains and quality of life.