Aqua Stand-Up Paddle Balance Effect in Parkinson's Disease (AquaSUP PARK)

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a relentless neurodegenerative disorder leading to functional impairment with postural instability. Postural instability is associated with an increased risk of falling and a decreased quality of life, and levodopa therapy may only have little effect on balance. Evidence supports physiotherapy and physical activity as an alternative treatment for postural instability in PD. Several types of physical activity have been tested in PD which target different specificities of rehabilitation such as stretching, muscle strengthening, balance, occupational therapy, cueing, treadmill training, with contrasting data regarding postural instability. The investigators want to develop an innovative physical activity with specific focus on the management of the postural instability in PD patients. Stand-up Paddle (SUP) is an aquatic sport improving postural instability in sedentary people that may be practiced in a swimming pool with static conditions for safety (Aqua SUP).

In order to assess the effect on postural instability, PD patients with baseline postural instability will be scored by Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (miniBESTest) before and after 8 weeks of Aqua SUP practice and compared to physiotherapy according to a randomized controlled trial with non-inferiority design.

Patients will be clinically assessed at baseline regarding the primary outcome miniBESTest and secondary outcome measures. A secondary visit will take place at 2 months after inclusion (Aqua SUP versus physiotherapy). A tertiary visit will be completed at 6 months after inclusion to assess long term effects.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or Female aged 18 to 80 years of age.
• Patients suffering from idiopathic Parkinson's Disease according to the criteria of the UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank Clinical Diagnostic.
• Presence of balance disorder : Stage Hoehn and Yahr 2.5 to 4.
• Motor level stable, without change of treatment in last 6 weeks
• Subjects affiliated to a social security scheme or beneficiary of an equivalent scheme
• Subjects are volunteers with their signed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Patients suffering from disabling neurological conditions other than IPD. Patients with progressive psychiatric pathologies.
• Patients with significant cognitive impairment (MMS <24).
• Presence of orthopedic problems incompatible with the practice of Aqua SUP.
• Medical advice against the practice of endurance exercise and muscle building.
• Patients with history or presence of cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, or patients who answered "yes" to any of the items in the Revised Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (Q-AAP).
• Patients with a condition which is deemed incompatible with the therapeutic pool: uncontrolled vesico-sphincteric disorder, aquaphobia, deterioration of the skin condition (wound, eschar, ulcer).
• Persons subject to decision making support (eg. legal guardianship or conservator).
• Patients in the process of participating in another study.
• Pregnant woman.