Zeitschrift für Yoga und Physiotherapie
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Strength Training in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review

Anand Shetty, Joshua Clarke, Kaloyan Grozdev, Benjamin Horowitz and Carl Noll

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to analyse current literature to identify valid, evidence- based trends in the treatment of PD with the goal of enhancing the quality of PT intervention and guide future research.

Methods: Google Scholar and Academic Search Complete electronic databases were searched. Five highquality randomized-controlled trials were reviewed by four researchers. Entries that met the inclusion criteria were assessed using the PEDro scale and included in the review.

Conclusion: Strength training is an effective intervention for individuals with PD when compared to traditional physiotherapy. Individuals with PD will have enhanced outcomes when strength training is performed in conjunction with other therapeutic activities, such as aerobic training or traditional physiotherapy. Strength training can also be a crucial tool to improve postural control and balance to reduce the risk for falls in this population. Although patients who participated in the strength training groups demonstrated an overall improvement in Parkinsonian symptoms and function, there were mixed results with gait testing; therefore, strength testing to improve gait should be performed on a patient-specific basis.

Recommendations: Based on the results of our study, we recommend incorporating strength training into the PT plan of care for patients with PD. Increased strength and function can be seen with strength training when compared to cardiovascular and balance training. Based on our results, we would recommend LE strength training in order to improve gait and function.