Effectiveness of Progressive Resistance Training in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of this study was to systematically explore progressive resistance training (PRT) effects in Parkinson’s disease (PD). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Eligible literature was systematically searched from five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) from their inception to February 2022. Included studies were selected based on strict eligibility criteria. RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 14 studies with 761 PD patients were selected for eligibility in this systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of 383 performed trunk or upper or lower extremity PRT and 378 underwent balance training, modified fitness counts, or did not change their lifestyle. The results demonstrated positive PRT effect on freezing of gait (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.55, 95% CI = −0.95 to −0.16, <i>p</i> = 0.006), muscular strength (SMD = 1.9, 95% CI = 0.55–3.24, <i>p</i> = 0.006), and quality of life (SMD = −0.86, 95% CI = −1.66 to −0.06, <i>p</i> = 0.04) in adults with PD compared with other training programmes but not for gait velocity, stride length, timed up and go test, and Berg Balance Scale. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This meta-analysis revealed that PRT had positive effects on freezing of gait, muscle strength, and improved quality of life during rehabilitation in PD patients.

Motor performance, motor impairments, and quality of life after eccentric resistance training in neurological populations: A systematic review and meta-analyses

“…However, the overall QoE was very low due to a high RoB, small sample sizes generating imprecisions across the studies. The moderate to large effect size for strength is in accordance with conclusions of previous reviews applying 'conventional' resistance training programs in neurological populations : stroke injury [SMD = 0.99, CI95% 0.28 to 1.70 Veldema and Jansen (2020); 0.98, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.29, Dorsch et al (2018) 2017)]; PD [1.9, CI95% 0.55 to 3.24, Yang and Wang (2023)].…”

“…We did not find evidence of superiority of ET over the comparator in improving gait, which is consistent with the findings from previous reviews in neurological populations where either distance or velocity were not better improved after a 'conventional' resistance training program (Braz de Oliveira et al, 2021;Dorsch et al, 2018;Merino-Andres et al, 2022;Veldema & Jansen, 2020). However, a recent review in PD populations reported a better positive effect on a disease-specific impairment: freezing during gait [SMD = 0.55, CI95% 0.16 to 0.95, Yang and Wang (2023)]. We did not retrieve trials assessing changes in freezing in PD, after ET.…”

Gym-Based Modified Powerlifting Exercises for People with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease: Study Protocol

“…Alongside pharmacological treatment, resistance training is often recommended for people with Parkinson’s disease to improve muscle strength and motor function 5 . Traditional resistance training sessions, which often require high training volumes for benefit, can be time-consuming 6 and fatiguing 7 .…”