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Background: Amplitude-based exercise training has been shown to be effective in the motor performance of individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, with limited research investigating its effects on Parkinson plus syndromes such as olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA). The purpose of this clinical case report is to examine the effects of amplitude-based training exercises on an individual with OPCA., Case Description: A 68-year-old man with a 14-month history of OPCA presented to physical therapy with bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. The individual participated in 34 intervention sessions. Pre- and post-test measurements were collected for the following outcome measures: Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSTS); Functional Gait Assessment (FGA); Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC-6); 9 Hole Peg Test (9HPT); preferred and maximal gait speed., Outcomes: Improvements reaching Minimum Detectable Change (MDC) or Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) were recorded with a pre (Week 1) and post (Week 20) intervention: FGA score (4-point improvement (MDC 95  = 4 points), preferred gait speed (0.09 meters/second improvement (MCID = 0.05 meters/second)), FTSTS (6-second improvement (MDC 95  = 2.3 seconds)), and 9HPT on the dominant hand (3-second improvement (MDC 95  = 2.6 seconds)). Fluctuations during the plan of care were observed for these measures, and additional outcomes did not demonstrate a worsening of function., Conclusion: In an individual with OPCA, amplitude-based exercise training as a component of the plan of care increased dynamic balance in walking, gait speed, and hand dexterity. However, these results need to be validated on a larger sample of individuals with OPCA through randomized controlled trials.

Muscle strength declines ~3% per year after the age of 70. Resistance training guidelines for older adults are often based on free-weight and machine exercises, which may be inaccessible and lack carryover to activities of daily living. We tested the hypothesis that resistance training adaptations in older adults are task-specific. Thirty adults (8 males, 22 females; mean age = 71 years) were randomly assigned to participate in 6 weeks of supervised, high-intensity resistance training (twice per week) utilizing free-weight and machine exercises (traditional) versus functional activities that were overloaded with a weighted vest (functional). Participants were thoroughly familiarized with the exercises and testing prior to beginning the study. Major outcome measures included assessments of functional performance, five-repetition maximum strength, isometric knee extensor force, and quadriceps muscle size. Physical activity and nutrition were monitored. The study results demonstrate that the magnitude of improvement within a given outcome was largely dependent on group assignment, with greater improvements in gait speed and the timed-up-and-go in the functional group, but 2-3x greater five repetition maximum strength improvements for the trap bar deadlift, leg press, and leg extension following traditional resistance training. Both groups showed improvements in isometric knee extensor force and muscle size, suggesting that some aspects of the observed adaptations were generic, rather than specific. Overall, these novel findings suggest that, among older adults, 1) resistance training adaptations exhibit a high degree of task specificity and 2) significant improvements in functional outcomes can be achieved with the use of a weighted vest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]