ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONVENTIONAL AND EMERGING PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTIONS IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background:

Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving motor and nonmotor manifestations, has had physiotherapy cited as the cornerstone of nonpharmacologic therapy, although the relative efficiency of traditional and new techniques has not gained much investigation.

Objective:

This systematic review was intended to help assess and compile the available knowledge from research involving Randomized Controlled Trials and Meta-analyses on the effectiveness of conventional and innovative physiotherapeutic approaches for people with PD.

Methods:

According to the guidelines of PRISMA 2020, ten high-quality articles, which were published between 2008 and 2024, were considered for this study. The articles were related to physiotherapy interventions and their outcomes based on motor performance, balance, cognition, or quality of life. The details of study design, type of intervention, control, and important findings were extracted.

Results:

Results showed reliable positive outcomes in terms of mobility, balance, and quality of life with a multi-disciplinary, task-oriented approach. Intensive treatments like MIRT and cognitive/motor physiotherapy showed a significant benefit with sustained improvements in the UPDRS and PDQ-39. Innovative strategies like exergaming, dance, boxing, and yoga showed better activity engagement and psychological outcomes than standard physiotherapy. Meta-analysis supported a significant benefit with pooled improvements in gait speed (0.09 m/s) and motor skills.

Conclusion:

Physiotherapy is still an effective and evidence-supported nonpharmacological option in managing PD. The combination of cognitive, nutritional, and technological elements in physiotherapy yields truly maximized functional and emotional benefits, th