Beta Event-Related Desynchronization Can Be Enhanced by Different Training Programs and Is Correlated with Improved Postural Control in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effects of a specific exercise (SE) training program focusing on balance and muscle strengthening, and a turning-based treadmill (TT) training program on cortical desynchronization and postural control in Parkinson's disease (PD). The 18 patients with PD were recruited and randomly assigned to the SE group, TT training group or control exercise group and participated in 12 30 min training sessions focusing on balance and streng-thening, TT training, or general exercise training, respectively, followed by 10 min of over-ground walking in each session for 4 to 6 weeks. The outcomes included alpha event-related desynchronization (ERD), beta ERD, postural control ability indicated by postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD), the step/quick turn test (SQT), and the sensory organization test (SOT). All measurements were assessed at baseline and after training. The results (n =6 for each group) showed that both the SE and TT groups had improved beta ERD, but not alpha ERD, in the Cz area, PIGD score, and turn sway/time in the SQT compared with the CE group. Furthermore, postural control ability was positively correlated with beta ERD in the Cz area. However, there was no significant correlation between SOT total score and alpha ERD in the Cz area. This paper showed that beta ERD in the central area and postural control can be improved with balance training, along with lower extremity muscle strengthening exercise and TT training, in patients with PD. Furthermore, improvement in beta ERD in the central area correlated with improvements in postural control ability. This trial was registered at http://www.anzctr.org.au/ (ACTRN12616000198426).