Recruitment rate, feasibility and safety of power training in individuals with Parkinson's disease: a proof-of-concept study.

Background: It has been suggested that power training should be implemented in interventions in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it is necessary to determine the feasibility and safety of training rapid movements in such individuals.

Objectives: To determine the rate of recruitment of potential participants, the rate of attendance at training sessions, the levels of adherence to the intervention, and the rate of adverse events.

Method: Patients with PD, users of the national public health system underwent power training of the lower limb muscles three times a week for 10 weeks. The number of people who were screened and recruited was recorded, as well as the rate of attendance at the training sessions and adherence to the intervention protocol. Safety was assessed by the presence of adverse events, pain, number of falls, and risk of injury associated with the intervention.

Results: Over the course of eight months, 62 individuals were screened and only 13 completed the program. The rates of attendance and adherence were 88% and 97%, respectively. There were no adverse events during training. Two participants reported joint pain and one reported falls during the training period.

Conclusions: The recruitment rate was low due to the subjects' difficulties with transportation and lack of interest. The high rates of adherence and attendance and the absence of adverse events suggest that power training is feasible and safe in PD.