Table 1 EMPOWER-PD. 8-week physical therapy protocol, twice a week

First–second

Self-knowledge

Stimulate self-knowledge: how does my body behave in the task?

From sitting, get up, and walk in an 8-m track, make the turn to the “U” (1 m), and walk diagonally to sit on the next chair.

Attentional focus during the task: pay attention to how you lift and sit, to the length and width of the pitch, arm swing and trunk movement, and their breathing, respectively.

The “U” will decrease (1 m–80 cm pivot) as well as the height of the chair (50 cm–45 cm–40 cm). Self-controlled speed.

Third–fourth

Developing strategies for limitations and improving skills

Develop own strategies to overcome limitations (internal cues, imagery, sound stimuli, body adjustments). Enhance skills through their preferences.

From sitting, get up and walk in an 8-m track (passing and skirting obstacles, passing through narrow spaces (60 cm), holding objects) to the “U” (80 cm), interact with their preference, turn around, and sit on the next chair.

Attentional focus during the task: pay attention to how you go through the challenges. Realize where you have easy and difficulty. Test with your body the ways for you to overcome the difficulty and enhance what you have easily.

The “U” will decrease (80 cm–60 cm pivot) and the height of the chair (45 cm–40 cm bench). Obstacles will grow taller and narrower; the spaces will rise to 50 cm, and they will exchange objects between them during the gait.

Fifth–sixth

Flexibilizing and developing confidence

Develop confidence and new strategies during walking and mobility in conflicting situations of daily living.

From sitting, get up, and walk 8 m under the same challenges of the previous week, but under more conflicting stimuli (talk to the duo during the task, different speeds, stop abruptly, traffic signal, sing, perform their concomitant preferences the task).

Attentional focus during the task: pay attention to how your body behaves in these conflicting situations. Test the strategies you already know and realize how safe you are by doing the task. Keep challenging yourself while always prioritizing your safety.

Pivot in all the ends and the height of the chair will continue of 45 cm–40 cm bench.

Seventh–eighth

Winning autonomy and power for an active life

Decrease dependence on the therapist. Develop your own therapy based on your choices.

Booklet with the image of the circuit available for the free will to choose their exercises, their intensity, participants per season, and moment of progression.

As a team, choose how you guys will set up your circuit. I will be here to help you and listen to your doubts. Remember to respect your body and safety, but always progress using your individual strategies. Have fun!

At this stage, the therapist will be co-adjuvant in therapy, always stimulating the confidence and tranquility of the group and appearing in a few moments.