Water Physical Exercise Program (WPEP) Using High-Intensity Interval Training in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease: A Clinical Trial Protocol.

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Complications in PD are related to impaired cardiorespiratory capacity, and the presence of motor and nonmotor symptoms, such as reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, decreased respiratory muscle strength and lung volumes and capacities, bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, attenuation of strength and lower limb muscle power, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The practice of high-intensity exercise and the examination of the aquatic environment may help to minimize these symptoms and slow disease progression. Objective: To develop a water physical exercise program (WPEP) focusing on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for individuals with DP. Methods: This is a protocol for a single blinded controlled clinical trial. The sample will consist of individuals with PD between Stages 1 and 4 on the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) Scale, divided into a control group and a WPEP group (which will participate in the WPEP). The outcomes will be divided into three categories: cardiorespiratory, motor, and nonmotor aspects. The WPEP will last 12 weeks, and the intervention will take place two times a week, with a duration of approximately 35 min, with an interval between 48 and 72 h between training sessions for muscle recovery, for a total of 24 sessions. It is expected that this study will establish parameters for prescribing and monitoring a WPEP for individuals with PD Stages 1-4 on the HY scale, enhancing the practice of exercise prescription. Trial Registration: Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials: RBR-3hp5yvh.