Comparative Effects of Virtual Reality and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Plain-language summary

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder marked by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and accumulation of α-synuclein (Lewy bodies).It impacts both motor and non-motor systems, with growing global prevalence-affecting 7-10 million people, mostly men over 60 years-due to increasing life expectancy and demographic shifts. PD shows motor symptoms like tremors and bradykinesia, along with non-motor issues like depression, REM sleep disorder, and cognitive decline. Diagnosis is often delayed due to subtle early signs like constipation or shoulder pain and atypical cases lacking classical tremors. VR offers immersive, task-specific therapy that enhances motor learning and neuroplasticity in a safe, engaging environment. By integrating sensory feedback and real-time motion tracking, VR reduces tremors, promotes cortical reorganization (notably in the sensorimotor cortex and cerebellum), and increases rehabilitation motivation through gamified experiences. PNF is a hands-on therapy using tactile, auditory, and proprioceptive cues to improve coordination, strength, and movement patterns. Especially useful in Parkinson's rehabilitation, PNF targets rigidity, bradykinesia, tremors, and postural instability by reinforcing neuromuscular coordination and improving movement execution in functional, diagonal planes. Sensorimotor control is the dynamic integration of sensory input, motor planning, and execution, which becomes disrupted in PD due to impaired proprioception and feedback loops. Patients rely excessively on visual feedback, making movement effortful, highlighting the need for focused upper limb rehabilitation strategies.

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