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Journals / Turkish Journal of Kinesiology / 2026 / Volume: 12 Issue: 3

Tele-rehabilitation-based exercise in Parkinson’s disease: A pilot study of feasibility and preliminary outcomes

Emine Nur Demircan(Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kent University, Istanbul, Türkiye.)0000-0002-4270-3543
Nezire Köse(Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye.)0000-0001-8342-7293
Hatice Yağmur Zengin(Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye.)0000-0002-9855-2449
Gül Yalçın Çakmaklı(Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye.)0000-0001-8545-7939
Özden Baskan(Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Rumeli University, Istanbul, Türkiye.)0000-0002-1549-4838
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-06-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Our preliminary findings suggest that integrating CSE into remote rehabilitation programs may offer additional benefit, but they should be supported in adequately powered trials.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This pilot study examined the feasibility and preliminary effects of two exercise programs delivered via tele-rehabilitation in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).
📊
Key Findings & Data:Group 1 received a conventional exercise program (CEP) combined with cervical stabilization exercise (CSE), and Group 2 received the CEP alone.
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Conclusion & Impact:Our preliminary findings suggest that integrating CSE into remote rehabilitation programs may offer additional benefit, but they should be supported in adequately powered trials.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Exercise · Parkinson disease · quality of life

Abstract

This pilot study examined the feasibility and preliminary effects of two exercise programs delivered via tele-rehabilitation in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Twelve individuals with PD, previously allocated to two groups in a prior face-to-face study, re-engaged in the same protocols remotely. Group 1 received a conventional exercise program (CEP) combined with cervical stabilization exercise (CSE), and Group 2 received the CEP alone. Both programs were delivered via synchronous video-based tele-rehabilitation (one 60-minute session per week for eight weeks). The following outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention: Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), visual analog scale, Short Form 36 (SF-36), 30-second chair stand test (30s-CST), static standing test, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and ACTIVLIM Scale. Both groups showed pre-to-post improvements in total UPDRS scores, the mental health and vitality subdomains of the SF-36, 30s-CST performance, single-limb stance and depressive symptoms (p 0.80). Tele-rehabilitation appears to be a feasible and well-tolerated mode of exercise delivery for individuals with PD, and was associated with improvements across multiple outcomes. Our preliminary findings suggest that integrating CSE into remote rehabilitation programs may offer additional benefit, but they should be supported in adequately powered trials.

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Cite This Article

Demircan, E. N., Köse, N., Zengin, H. Y., Çakmaklı, G. Y., Baskan, Ö. (2026). Tele-rehabilitation-based exercise in Parkinson’s disease: A pilot study of feasibility and preliminary outcomes. Turkish Journal of Kinesiology, Volume: 12 Issue: 3. https://doi.org/10.31459/turkjkin.1941478

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