Exergaming-Based Rehabilitation for Lateral Trunk Flexion in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

(1) Background: Axial postural deformities represent a more common disabling motor complication in Parkinson’s disease. This study aims to investigate the clinical and neurophysiological effect of a rehabilitation treatment based on exergaming. (2) Methods: A pilot observational study was conducted on nine subjects affected by Parkinson’s disease and lateral trunk flexion, as well as on nine healthy controls with regard to some clinical and neurophysiological outcomes. (3) Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in all clinical assessment outcomes taken in to consideration: Berg balance scale (p = 0.0078), timed up and go tests (p = 0.03), degrees of lateral trunk inclination (p = 0.0039), and anterior/posterior trunk inclination (p = 0.0039). Regarding neurophysio-logical outcomes, the pressure pain threshold was enhanced and statistically significant in all areas assessed. Moreover, tensiomyography highlighted a statistically significant improvement in the maximal radial displacement of the ipsilateral erector spinae muscles. (4) Conclusions: The clinical and neurophysiological outcomes suggest both peripheral and central effects of exergaming. Peripherally, exergaming seems to lead to a postural trunk correction through a reduction in muscle stiffness in the ipsilateral erector spinae. Centrally, exergaming seems to lead to a central pain modulation through an upregulation of cortical connectivity associated with cognitive tasks. Taken together, these results also indicate that exergaming can be a feasible and enjoyable complement to traditional rehabilitation, potentially enhancing patients’ motivation and adherence.