Experts have established that regular physical activity can ease movement difficulties and enhance overall well-being for people living with Parkinson’s disease. This conclusion comes from a comprehensive review published in the Cochrane Systematic Review Database that aggregates evidence across many studies.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system condition primarily affecting individuals over the age of 60. Common symptoms include stiffness, tremors, slower movements, and challenges with coordination and balance. Many patients also face mood changes and sleep disturbances. There is no cure, but a combination of physical therapy, targeted exercise, and medication helps manage symptoms and maintain daily function.
In a large analysis, researchers looked at how different physical exercise programs impact people with Parkinson’s. They selected 156 high-quality studies, involving 7,939 participants who had mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease and did not have significant cognitive impairment at the outset.
The median age of participants ranged from 60 to 74, and the majority of studies originated in the United States. Across the board, most types of exercise demonstrated benefit for movement-related symptoms, though the size of the effect varied by activity and individual factors.
Activities such as dance, water-based workouts, functional training, and endurance-focused programs produced roughly similar, moderately positive improvements in movement disorder severity. Water-based exercise, especially in a supportive pool setting, notably improved quality of life for many participants.
Stretching routines, yoga, and tai chi showed smaller or inconsistent effects on the core movement symptoms. Evidence regarding the benefits of weight training and Lee Silverman’s Voice Treatment exercises remains mixed and less clear at this time.
Overall, researchers suggest that a wide range of exercise approaches can be recommended for people with Parkinson’s disease. The choice can be tailored to individual preferences, safety considerations, and personal goals, with the goal of sustaining activity and reducing symptom burden over the long term.