Effect of Exercise on Modifying Progression of Physical Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors

• Ruiping Xia, Franklin Pierce UniversityFollow
• Mitchell Stanford, Franklin Pierce UniversityFollow
• Robert S. Phillips, Franklin Pierce UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Emerging evidence suggests a promising treatment of combining exercise with medication. This systematic review with meta-analysis examined effect of exercise on modifying PD progression of physical symptoms. Methods: E-databases were searched to date. Randomized trials were included if they compared effect of exercise with no exercise/other exercise, and measured motor function for >=12 months. Results: Ten trials were included with eight eligible for meta-analyses. The pooled effect of exercise on UPDRS-III was a standard mean difference of 0.327 (95% CI: -0.052 to 0.707; p < 0.091). Mean difference in off-medication exceeded minimal clinically important difference. The pooled effects were 0.927 (95% CI: 0.015 to 1.839, p = 0.046) for Timed Up-and-Go, and 0.338 (95% CI: 0.022 to 0.654, p < 0.036) for PD Questionnaire-39. All findings were in favor of exercise intervention to improve patients’ motor severity and function/participation for at least 12 months. Conclusions: This study suggests that physical therapy has potential to modify progression of physical symptoms in Parkinson’s disease.

Author Bio(s)

Ruiping Xia, MS, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Doctor of Physical Therapy in the College of Health and Natural Sciences at Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, AZ.

Mitchell Stanford, PT, DPT, is a full-time home health physical therapist.

Robert S. Phillips, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy in the College of Health and Natural Sciences at Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, AZ. He is also a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and licensed to practice physical therapy in Arizona and Ohio.

Acknowledgements

n/a

Recommended Citation

Xia R, Stanford M, Phillips RS. Effect of Exercise on Modifying Progression of Physical Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Jun 01;24(2), Article 6.