Goal-oriented Intervention in Parkinson's Disease

The Goal-oriented upper-limb intervention evaluated patients' expectations and the environmental factors influencing the performance of the specific task were identified for each of the three tasks. Patients were asked to perform the activity at home. After this, the observable target behavior corresponding to the target activity was determined. Then, an occupational and a physical therapist worked together with the patient to identify the assistance required to perform this activity such as human assistance, technical aids, assistive devices or verbal guidance.

The standard upper limb intervention involved active upper limb range of motion, manual dexterity involving grasp and manipulation of small pieces such as marbles and stretching upper limb exercises.