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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
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Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: July 24, 2019
Exercise and Motor Complications in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Priscila Nóbrega-Sousa1,2, Lucas H C C Santos3,4, Jane Alty5,6,7
1School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Movement Disorders Clinical Practice
|August 14, 2026
Summary
Exercise does not significantly reduce motor complications like levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Further research is needed due to limitations in current studies on exercise and PD motor complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Movement Disorders
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Levodopa is the primary Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment, but causes motor complications like levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID).
- Exercise benefits PD symptoms, yet its impact on motor complications remains uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if exercise interventions can reduce motor complications in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing motor complications (UPDRS IV) post-exercise.
- Included 23 studies; 14 rated good quality, with 11 suitable for meta-analysis.
- Meta-regression explored medication status and control group type effects.
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis revealed no significant exercise effect on motor complications.
- No moderating influence found for medication status or control group type.
- Included studies had small sample sizes and varied interventions.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support exercise for reducing LID or motor fluctuations in PD.
- Findings require cautious interpretation due to study limitations.
- Future trials should specifically target motor complications in PD.
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