Description

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by a combination of motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability, and non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Neurological physiotherapy and rehabilitation are among the most important components of PD in the literature to prevent progression, alleviate symptoms, and slow neurodegeneration. Auricular vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS), one of the physiotherapy methods used in PD, has been shown in studies to have a positive effect on symptoms such as motor symptoms, gait disturbance, freezing, and cognitive impairment, and is considered a safe and feasible method. Looking at PD studies in the literature, it is seen that participants applied aVNS at home on their own, in an isolated study design, and individuals were not included in any rehabilitation program. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of neurological physiotherapy and rehabilitation, in combination with aVNS application, on balance, gait, and clinical symptoms in individuals with PD. The study will include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Individuals will be divided into two groups: a control group and a study group. In this blinded study, individuals in both groups will be included in a physiotherapy and rehabilitation program at the Neurological Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Unit. Individuals in the control group will receive sham aVNS, while individuals in the active treatment group will receive active aNVS. Individuals will be evaluated twice, before and after their three-week, five-day-a-week program. Balance, gait, and clinical symptoms will be assessed using tests and scales.