The Effects of Whole Body Periodic Acceleration on Non-Motor Symptoms in Persons with Parkinson’s disease: A Pilot Study

Background and Purpose: In Parkinson's disease (PD), some common non-motor symptoms include depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances. Non-motor symptoms affect quality of life. In PD, Nitric Oxide (NO) production is reduced, which inhibits sleep. Whole body periodic acceleration (WBPA) has been found to increase secretion of NO. In persons with PD, the effects of WBPA on sleep regulation and activity levels have yet to be evaluated. This study assessed whether WBPA would improve non-motor symptoms in persons with Parkinson's disease when compared to gender matched controls.