Effectiveness of different exercises in improving postural balance among Parkinson's disease patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Di Wang; Wen J Cui; Zhen H Hou; Ying Gao

doi:10.3389/fnagi.2023.1215495

Effectiveness of different exercises in improving postural balance among Parkinson's disease patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Front Aging Neurosci. 2023 Jul 17:15:1215495. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1215495. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Di Wang¹, Wen J Cui², Zhen H Hou³, Ying Gao¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Sports Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
² Department of Physical Education, Zhejiang International Studies University, Hangzhou, China.
³ Department of Orthopaedics, No. 903 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Hangzhou, China.

Abstract

Background: Exercise has been reported as an effective intervention for Parkinson's disease. However, there is still debate on the what kinds of exercises prior to choosing. This study aimed to compare and rank the different exercises that effectively enhance postural balance in Parkinson's disease patients by quantifying the information gleaned from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive database search, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

Results: The RCTs were collected between the earliest available date and March 2023. Sixty RCTs were included and the total sample size used in the study was 3,537. Thirty-five studies were defined as low risk of bias, twenty-one studies as medium risk of bias, and four studies as high risk of bias. The network meta-analysis results showed that exergaming exercise can significantly improve patients' Timed-Up-and-Go time (SUCRA = 91.5%). Dance can significantly enhance patients' Berg Balance Scale (surface under the cumulative ranking curve, SUCRA = 81.3%), and rhythmical auditory exercise can significantly improve patients' Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test score (SUCRA = 95.6%).

Conclusion: Compared with other exercises, exergaming exercise, Dance, and rhythmical auditory exercise showed superior efficacy in improving postural balance among Parkinson's disease patients.

Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42023411918.

Keywords: Berg Balance Scale; Mini-Balance Evaluation; RCT; Timed-Up-and-Go time; exercise intervention.

Publication types

Systematic Review

Grants and funding

This project was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (S20230054) and supported by Scientific Research Fund of Zhejiang Provincial Education Department (Y202248649).