Effects of resistance and balance training on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed randomized trials of resistance, balance, or combined training in people with Parkinson’s disease. Nine RCTs involving 391 participants were included. Exercise interventions improved motor symptoms, with an UPDRS-III standardized mean difference of -0.52 (95% CI: -0.68 to -0.36, p < 0.001). The analysis also found improvements in balance, gait, cognition, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Combined training was associated with improvements across multiple outcomes, although the authors describe the evidence as preliminary and call for larger trials.

Key findings

• Across nine RCTs involving 391 patients, exercise improved UPDRS-III scores (SMD = -0.52, 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.36, p < 0.001).
• Balance (BBS) and gait function (TUG) improved with the exercise interventions.
• Improvements were reported in cognition (MoCA), depressive symptoms (BDI), and quality of life (PDQ-39).
• Combined training was associated with notable improvements across multiple outcomes.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that structured resistance and balance exercise may address several domains affected by Parkinson’s disease, rather than motor symptoms alone. Improvements across mobility, cognition, mood, and quality of life are clinically relevant outcomes, but the pooled evidence remains preliminary and does not establish which training approach is best.

What to keep in mind

The evidence comes from nine RCTs with 391 participants, and the authors state that larger trials are needed to confirm the findings.