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

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of resistance and/or balance training on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases was conducted up to 31 May 2025. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included PD patients receiving resistance training, balance training, or combined interventions. Data on intervention characteristics and outcomes (UPDRS-III, BBS, TUG, MoCA, BDI, PDQ-39) were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 and R 4.5.1.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs involving 391 PD patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that exercise interventions significantly improved motor symptoms (UPDRS-III: SMD = -0.52, 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.36, p < 0.001). Significant improvements were also observed in balance (BBS) and gait function (TUG). For non-motor symptoms, benefits were found in cognitive function (MoCA), depressive symptoms (BDI), and quality of life (PDQ-39). Analyses indicated that combined training was associated with notable improvements across multiple outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Resistance and balance training can improve both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD. Evidence suggests that combined training may be a particularly promising approach. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the integration of structured exercise into PD management, though larger trials are needed to confirm these findings.