Endurance exercise improves function in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Exercise Science
• Medical Research

Background:

• Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms can be reduced by exercise, but intervention variability yields mixed results.
• Previous research lacks consensus on the optimal exercise type for PD symptom management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis on endurance exercise interventions for Parkinson's disease.
• To evaluate the effect of endurance exercise on the United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) in PD patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across six databases.
• Inclusion of randomized controlled trials comparing endurance exercise to control groups.
• Meta-analysis of 7 studies using the d index and weighting factor to calculate effect size on UPDRS scores.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant positive effect of endurance exercise on UPDRS scores was found (d index = -0.32, 95% CI [-0.09, -0.56]).
• Endurance exercise interventions demonstrated a notable reduction in Parkinson's disease motor symptoms.

Conclusions:

• This meta-analysis supports the integration of endurance exercise training into the standard treatment for Parkinson's disease.
• Endurance exercise, consistent with ACSM guidelines, is a beneficial component for managing PD symptoms.