Evaluation of Ronnie Gardiner Method in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease
Evaluation of Ronnie Gardiner Method in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease (PD) is typically associated with cognitive and movement related
 functional disabilities. One commonly described cognitive complaint is the ability to do
 several things simultaneously, defined as dual or multiple tasking. The Ronnie Gardiner
 Method (RGM) is a rhythm and music based rehabilitation intervention that includes components
 that will train this ability specifically in addition to postural control, motor learning,
 movement ability and general cognitive function. The aim with the present randomized
 controlled single-blinded trial is to evaluate the RGM with main focus on dual-task
 performance, compared to a control group, in individuals with PD. The control group will
 continue with everyday activities, including ordinary exercise activities, with no additional
 activity. Both groups will be evaluated pre-, post-, and after 3 months post intervention.
 Following outcome measures will be analyzed:

 1. dual task performance (motor-motor, and motor-cognitive)

 2. level of physical activity, motor function and balance

 3. cognitive function including memory and spatial function

 4. health-related quality of life, fear of falling, and freezing of gait

 5. qualitative interviews from focus group discussions
Patients with Parkinson's disease at the neurological department of University Hospital of
 Linköping are included and randomized to either the rhythm and music based rehabilitation
 method Ronnie Gardiner Method or to a control group with no other activity other than
 everyday activities including habitual exercise. Timed Up and Go (TUG) cognitive and TUG
 manual will be used to evaluate dual-task performance. The intervention will take place twice
 weekly for twelve weeks in a neurological rehabilitation facility, and will be led by a
 highly skilled physiotherapist with ten years of practice from the Ronnie Gardiner Method.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Parkinson's disease, stage 1,5 to 4 on the Hoehn & Yahr scale, community dwelling,
 stable medication, being able to walk at least 10 meters, being able to transport to
 the intervention facility, being able to follow instructions in Swedish

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  parkinsonism of other origin, color blindness, severely impaired vision or hearing