Group exercise for balance in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: High-quality evidence shows that exercise helps people with Parkinson's disease improve functional abilities including balance. However, few studies have investigated whether the setting and format through which balance-focused exercise programs are provided matters. This systematic review investigated group exercise compared to individual exercise, and to no-exercise control (CTL), on clinical measures of balance for people with Parkinson's disease.
METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched through March 24, 2024, on terms for Parkinson's disease; exercise or physical activity; community-based or group classes; balance or postural control. Citations, abstracts and full-text articles were independently reviewed, and included studies were rated on risk of bias by two authors.
RESULTS: Twenty-seven randomized controlled trials (30 reports) with 1200 participants met criteria. Meta-analysis using mean difference (MD) compared group exercise to CTL on seven clinical measures of balance. Three yielded significant differences favoring group exercise: Timed Up and Go = -2.29 (MD), -3.56 to -1.02 (95% Confidence interval) (95% CI); Mini-BEST = 2.72 (MD), 1.88 to 3.57 (95% CI); Berg Balance Scale = 4.31 (MD), 1.33 to 7.29 (95% CI). Meta-analyses were also conducted on six clinical measures of balance, comparing group exercise to individual exercise, yielding no significant differences.
CONCLUSIONS: For people with Parkinson's disease,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,200 participants or records.
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