Resistance training reduces depressive symptoms in elderly people with Parkinson disease: A controlled randomized study

Physical Exercise for Treating the Anxiety and Depression Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Depression and anxiety are non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Physical exercise is a promising approach to reducing neuropsychological burden. We aimed to comprehensively synthesize evidence regarding the use of exercise for treating depression and anxiety symptoms in PD.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA recommendations. Searches on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was conducted. The random-effects model was employed for all analyses with the standardized mean difference as the effect estimate.

RESULTS

Fifty records were retrieved, but only 17 studies met the criteria for the meta-analyses. A moderate to large effect was observed for depression (-.71 [95% CI = -.96 to -.46], 11 studies, 728 individuals), and a small to moderate effect for anxiety (-.39 [95% CI = -.65 to -.14], 6 studies, 241 individuals), when comparing exercise to non-exercise controls. Subgroup analysis revealed significant effects from aerobic (-.95 [95% CI = -1.60, -.31]), mind-body (-1.85 [95% CI = -2.63, -1.07]), and resistance modalities (-1.61 [95% CI = -2.40, -.83]) for depression, and from mind-body (-.67 [95% CI = -1.19 to -.15]) and resistance exercises (-1.00 [95% CI = -1.70 to -.30]) for anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Physical exercise has a relevant clinical impact on depression and anxiety in PD. We discuss the level of the evidence, the methodological limitations of the studies, and give recommendations.

Alleviating Stress in Parkinson's Disease: Symptomatic Treatment, Disease Modification, or Both?

Psychological stress, a state of mental strain caused by mentally or physically threatening situations, plays a significant role in Parkinson's disease (PD). Motor symptoms worsen during acute stress and common non-motor symptoms in PD, such as anxiety and depression, are linked to chronic stress. Although evidence in humans is lacking, animal models of PD suggest that chronic stress can accelerate dopaminergic cell death. This suggests that stress-reducing interventions have not only symptomatic, but perhaps also disease-modifying effects. Our objective was to identify the most promising strategies for stress-reduction in PD and to analyze their potential value for disease-modification. An unstructured literature search was performed, primarily focusing on papers published between 2020-2023. Several large clinical trials have tested the efficacy of aerobic exercise and mindfulness-based interventions on PD symptoms. The evidence is promising, but not definitive yet: some exercise trials found a reduction in stress-related symptoms, whereas others did not or did not report it. In the majority of trials, biological measures of stress and of disease progression are missing. Furthermore, follow-up periods were generally too short to measure disease-modifying effects. Hence, mechanisms underlying the intervention effects remain largely unclear. These effects may consist of attenuating progressive neurodegeneration (measured with MRI-markers of substantia nigra integrity or cortical thickness), or a strengthening of compensatory cerebral mechanisms (measured with functional neuroimaging), or both. Lifestyle interventions are effective for alleviating stress-related symptoms in PD. They hold potential for exerting disease-modifying effects, but new evidence in humans is necessary to fulfill that promise.

The relationship between physical function and psychological symptoms in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis

AIMS

This systematic review and meta-regression aimed to examine available literature reporting measures of physical function, anxiety, and/or depression and whether any relationships exist between these measures in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

METHODS

MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, and APA PsychInfo databases were systematically searched. Screening, quality assessment, and data extraction were completed alongside meta-regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 1175 studies retrieved, 40 were selected for analysis with only one study assessing the relationship between physical and psychological outcomes within their cohort. A total of 27 studies were also eligible for meta-regression analysis-a total sample of 1211 participants. Meta-regressions of five combinations of paired physical and psychological outcomes showed a significant moderating effect of symptoms of depression (Beck Depression Inventory) on mobility (Timed-Up-and-Go test; coefficient = 0.37, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.65, p = 0.012) and balance (Berg Balance Score) scores (coefficient = -1.25, 95% CI -1.77 to -0.73, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Although physical and psychological outcomes of interest were used in all included studies, only one examined their relationship. Our analysis suggests that symptoms of depression may influence measures of mobility and balance. Specifically, as the severity of symptoms of depression increases, performance on measures of mobility and balance worsens.

The effects of exercise dose on patients with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

The effects of different exercise doses on motor function, balance, mobility, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) were evaluated.

METHOD

The exercise intervention dose was evaluated based on the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory health, muscle strength, and physical function for PD patients and classified into high ACSM compliance and low or uncertain ACSM compliance. The impact of ACSM compliance on Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Part III (UPDRS-III), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) in patients with PD was compared using the standardized mean difference (SMD) along with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

A total of 26 articles were included, comprising 32 studies. Twenty-one studies were classified as high ACSM compliance, and 11 studies were classified as low or uncertain ACSM compliance. For the four outcome measures, the SMD ratio of exercise interventions with high ACSM compliance to those with low or uncertain ACSM compliance was as follows: UPDRS-III (- 0.74: - 0.17), TUG (- 0.62: - 0.17), PDQ-39 (- 0.58: - 0.31), and BBS (0.51: 0.52).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that compared with exercise interventions with low or uncertain ACSM compliance, exercise interventions with high ACSM compliance had a more significant improvement effect on motor function, mobility, and QOL in PD patients. However, the effect on balance was not as pronounced, and further research is needed to validate these findings.

Effect of Physiotherapy Interventions on Motor Symptoms in People With Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of different types of physiotherapy interventions in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Web of Science Core Collection) were searched for relevant RCTs published from database inception to July 14, 2022. Reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the literature quality according to the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool and PEDro Scale. This meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 and reported in compliance with the PRISMA statement.

RESULTS

Forty-two RCTs with 2,530 participants were included. Across all types of physiotherapy, strength training, mind-body exercise, aerobic exercise, and non-invasive brain stimulation (NiBS) were effective in improving motor symptoms as measured by the (Movement Disorders Society-) Unified PD Scale, whereas balance and gait training (BGT) and acupuncture were not. The pooled results showed that the change in mind-body exercise (MD = -5.36, 95% CI [-7.97 to -2.74], p < .01, I2 = 68%) and NiBS (MD = -4.59, 95% CI [-8.59 to -0.59], p = .02, I2 = 78%) reached clinical threshold, indicating clinically meaningful improvements. Considering the effectiveness of the interventions on motor symptoms, balance, gait and functional mobility, mind-body exercise was recommended the most.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise appears to be a better form of physiotherapy than NiBS and acupuncture for improving motor function. Mind-body exercise showed beneficial effects on motor symptoms, balance, gait and functional mobility in people with PD, and is worthy of being promoted.

Effect of web-implemented exercise interventions on depression and anxiety in patients with neurological disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Web-implemented exercise intervention is the latest and innovative method to improve people's mental health. Currently, many studies have proven that web-implemented interventions are effective to improve depression and anxiety in adults. However, the influence of different web-implemented exercise interventions on depression and anxiety in patients with neurological disorders is still unclear.

Objective

The study aims to systematically summarize the type and content of web-implemented exercise interventions and quantify the effect of different web-implemented exercise interventions on depression and anxiety in patients with neurological disorders.

Methods

Four literature databases (PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang data) were searched. The literature search considered studies published in English or Chinese before October 13, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that participants accepted web-implemented interventions were included. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias for included studies. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CI were used to integrate the effect size.

Results

16 RCTs (a total of 963 participants) were included. The results showed that web-implemented exercise intervention had a significant effect on depression (SMD = -0.80; 95% CI, -1.09 to -0.52; I2 = 75%; P < 0.00001) and anxiety (SMD = -0.80; 95% CI, -1.23 to -0.36; I2 = 75%; P = 0.0003) in patients with a neurological disorder. The subgroup analysis showed that the effectiveness of the web-implemented exercise intervention was influenced by several factors, such as web-implemented exercise intervention type, component, and intervention duration.

Conclusion

Web-implemented exercise intervention has a relieving effect on depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with neurological disorders. Additionally, the intervention type, intervention duration, and component can influence the effect size.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier: CRD42023409538.

Efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions on depressive symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease: a study protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Depression is the most dominant non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD), with a prevalence of up to 50%, and can lead to a range of psychiatric and psychological problems that can affect quality of life and overall functioning. While several randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have tested the effect of certain non-pharmacological interventions on the outcome of PD depression symptoms, the comparative benefits and harms of these remain unclear. We will conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of different non-pharmacological interventions for patients with PD depression.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, Google Scholar, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, WanFang Data and the Chongqing VIP Database from their inception date to June 2022. The studies will be limited to results published in English or Chinese. The primary outcomes will be the changes in the depressive symptoms, while secondary outcomes will include adverse effects and the quality of life. Two researchers will screen those documents that meet the inclusion criteria, extracting data according to the preset table and evaluating the methodological quality of the included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 Tool. The STATA and ADDIS statistical software will be used to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis. A traditional pairwise meta-analysis and a network meta-analysis will be performed to compare the efficacy and safety of different non-pharmacological interventions, ensuring the robustness of the findings. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system will be used to assess the overall quality of the body of evidence associated with the main results. The publication bias assessment will be conducted using comparison-adjusted funnel plots.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

All the data for this study will be extracted from published RCTs. As a literature-based systematic review, this study does not require ethical approval. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and national/international conference presentations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022347772.

Physical Exercise Interventions on Quality of Life in Parkinson Disease: A Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Physical exercise is considered an effective intervention for maintaining or improving quality of life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), but there is no evidence showing which type of physical exercise intervention has more positive effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the evidence regarding the effectiveness of exercise interventions on improving QoL in patients with PD, comparing different types of exercise interventions.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted through January 2022. The methodological quality of the trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool RoB2. For the meta-analysis, physical exercise interventions were classified into 5 training categories: resistance, endurance, alternative exercises, dance, and sensorimotor interventions. A standard meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of the different types of physical exercise interventions.

RESULTS

The search retrieved 2451 studies, 48 of which were included in this network meta-analysis with a total of 2977 patients with PD. The indirect effects of the network meta-analysis showed positive results for alternative exercises (-0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.76, -0.16), dance (-0.63; 95% CI: -1.08, -0.17), and sensorimotor interventions (-0.23; 95% CI: -0.40, -0.07) versus control comparisons.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

More research is needed to determine the types of physical exercise interventions that are most beneficial and for which conditions of the disease they have the most positive effects.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A398 ).

Physical activity based on dance movements as complementary therapy for Parkinson's disease: Effects on movement, executive functions, depressive symptoms, and quality of life

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease with motor symptoms that are well understood, but non-motor symptoms may be present and appear at different temporal stages of the disease. Physical activity based on dance movements is emerging as a complementary therapeutic approach to a range of PD symptoms as a multidimensional activity that requires rhythmic synchronization and more neuromuscular functions.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of physical activity based on dance movements on the movement, executive functions, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and severity of PD in individuals diagnosed with PD.

METHODS

13 individuals with PD (Hoehn & Yahr I-III, MDS-UPDRS 67.62 ± 20.83), underwent physical activity based on dance movements (2x week for 6 months). Participants were assessed at baseline and after 6 months on movement (POMA, TUG and MDS-UPDRS Part III), executive function (FAB), depressive symptoms (MADRS), quality of life (PDQ-39), and severity of PD (MDS-UPDRS TOTAL). Student's t-test was used to compare pre and post-intervention results.

RESULTS

We observed a significant improvement in the movement (balance and gait) by the POMA test, p = 0.0207, executive function by the FAB test, p = 0.0074, abstract reasoning and inhibitory control by the FAB, Conceptualization test, p = 0.0062, and Inhibitory Control, p = 0.0064, depressive symptoms assessed by the MADRS test significantly reduced, p = 0.0214, and the quality of life by the PDQ-39 had a significant increase after the intervention, p = 0.0006, showed significant improvements between the pre-and post-intervention periods of physical activity based on dance movements.

CONCLUSION

Physical activity based on dance movements contributed to significant improvements in movement (balance and gait), executive functions, especially in cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control, and the quality of life too. Sensorimotor integration, most cognitive processing and social skills may have contributed to the results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the Brazilian registry of clinical trials: RBR-3bhbrb5.

Physical exercise for people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Physical exercise is effective in managing Parkinson's disease (PD), but the relative benefit of different exercise types remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of different types of physical exercise in adults with PD on the severity of motor signs, quality of life (QoL), and the occurrence of adverse events, and to generate a clinically meaningful treatment ranking using network meta-analyses (NMAs).

SEARCH METHODS

An experienced information specialist performed a systematic search for relevant articles in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and five other databases to 17 May 2021. We also searched trial registries, conference proceedings, and reference lists of identified studies up to this date.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing one type of physical exercise for adults with PD to another type of exercise, a control group, or both.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data. A third author was involved in case of disagreements.  We categorized the interventions and analyzed their effects on the severity of motor signs, QoL, freezing of gait, and functional mobility and balance up to six weeks after the intervention using NMAs. Two review authors independently assessed the risk of bias using the risk of bias 2 (RoB 2) tool and rated the confidence in the evidence using the CINeMA approach for results on the severity of motor signs and QoL. We consulted a third review author to resolve any disagreements. Due to heterogeneous reporting of adverse events, we summarized safety data narratively and rated our confidence in the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 156 RCTs with a total of 7939 participants with mostly mild to moderate disease and no major cognitive impairment. The number of participants per study was small (mean 51, range from 10 to 474). The NMAs on the severity of motor signs and QoL included data from 71 (3196 participants), and 55 (3283 participants) trials, respectively. Eighty-five studies (5192 participants) provided safety data. Here, we present the main results. We observed evidence of beneficial effects for most types of physical exercise included in our review compared to a passive control group. The effects on the severity of motor signs and QoL are expressed as scores on the motor scale of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-M) and the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39), respectively. For both scales, higher scores denote higher symptom burden. Therefore, negative estimates reflect improvement (minimum clinically important difference: -2.5 for UPDRS-M and -4.72 for PDQ-39). Severity of motor signs The evidence from the NMA (71 studies; 3196 participants) suggests that dance has a moderate beneficial effect on the severity of motor signs (mean difference (MD) -10.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) -15.54 to -4.96; high confidence), and aqua-based, gait/balance/functional, and multi-domain training might have a moderate beneficial effect on the severity of motor signs (aqua-based: MD -7.77, 95% CI -13.27 to -2.28; gait/balance/functional: MD -7.37, 95% CI -11.39 to -3.35; multi-domain: MD -6.97, 95% CI -10.32 to -3.62; low confidence). The evidence also suggests that mind-body training and endurance training might have a small beneficial effect on the severity of motor signs (mind-body: MD -6.57, 95% CI -10.18 to -2.81; endurance: MD -6.43, 95% CI -10.72 to -2.28; low confidence). Flexibility training might have a trivial or no effect on the severity of motor signs (MD 2.01, 95% CI -4.82 to 8.98; low confidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of strength/resistance training and "Lee Silverman Voice training BIG" (LSVT BIG) on the severity of motor signs (strength/resistance: MD -6.97, 95% CI -11.93 to -2.01; LSVT BIG: MD -5.49, 95% CI -14.74 to 3.62; very low confidence). Quality of life The evidence from the NMA (55 studies; 3283 participants) suggests that aqua-based training probably has a large beneficial effect on QoL (MD -14.98, 95% CI -23.26 to -6.52; moderate confidence). The evidence also suggests that endurance training might have a moderate beneficial effect, and that gait/balance/functional and multi-domain training might have a small beneficial effect on QoL (endurance: MD -9.16, 95% CI -15.68 to -2.82; gait/balance/functional: MD -5.64, 95% CI -10.04 to -1.23; multi-domain: MD -5.29, 95% CI -9.34 to -1.06; low confidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of mind-body training, gaming, strength/resistance training, dance, LSVT BIG, and flexibility training on QoL (mind-body: MD -8.81, 95% CI -14.62 to -3.00; gaming: MD -7.05, 95% CI -18.50 to 4.41; strength/resistance: MD -6.34, 95% CI -12.33 to -0.35; dance: MD -4.05, 95% CI -11.28 to 3.00; LSVT BIG: MD 2.29, 95% CI -16.03 to 20.44; flexibility: MD 1.23, 95% CI -11.45 to 13.92; very low confidence). Adverse events Only 85 studies (5192 participants) provided some kind of safety data, mostly only for the intervention groups. No adverse events (AEs) occurred in 40 studies and no serious AEs occurred in four studies. AEs occurred in 28 studies. The most frequently reported events were falls (18 studies) and pain (10 studies). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of physical exercise on the risk of adverse events (very low confidence). Across outcomes, we observed little evidence of differences between exercise types.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found evidence of beneficial effects on the severity of motor signs and QoL for most types of physical exercise for people with PD included in this review, but little evidence of differences between these interventions. Thus, our review highlights the importance of physical exercise regarding our primary outcomes severity of motor signs and QoL, while the exact exercise type might be secondary. Notably, this conclusion is consistent with the possibility that specific motor symptoms may be treated most effectively by PD-specific programs. Although the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of exercise on the risk of adverse events, the interventions included in our review were described as relatively safe. Larger, well-conducted studies are needed to increase confidence in the evidence. Additional studies recruiting people with advanced disease severity and cognitive impairment might help extend the generalizability of our findings to a broader range of people with PD.

Advances in the Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological Management of Non-motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: An Update Since 2017

BACKGROUND

Non-motor symptoms (NMS) are an important and ubiquitous determinant of quality of life in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, robust evidence for their treatment is still a major unmet need.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide an updated review on advances in pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and exercise-based interventions for NMS in PD, covering the period since the publication of the MDS Task Force Recommendations.

METHODS

We performed a literature search to identify pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and exercise-based interventions for NMS in PD. As there are recent reviews on the subject, we have only included studies from the 1st of January 2017 to the 1st of December 2021 and limited our search to randomised and non-randomised (including open-label) clinical trials.

RESULTS

We discuss new strategies to manage NMS based on data that have become available since 2017, for instance, on the treatment of orthostatic hypotension with droxidopa, several dopaminergic treatment options for insomnia, and a range of non-pharmacological and exercise-based interventions for cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms, pain, and insomnia and excessive sleepiness.

CONCLUSION

Recent evidence suggests that targeted non-pharmacological treatments, as well as some other NMS management options, may have a significant beneficial effect on the quality of life and need to be considered in the pathways of treatment of PD.

Chronic effects of different exercise types on brain activity in healthy older adults and those with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review

Objective: This study aimed to compare the regulation of brain activity by different kinds of long-term exercises (Tai Chi, treadmill training, and dancing) in healthy older adults and those with PD.

Methods: From January 2000 to October 2021, the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. All articles were screened throughout the inclusion and exclusion criteria, which was followed by PICOS criteria. Finally, all articles were systematically reviewed with analyses.

Results: 29 studies were identified for this review, 24 of which were finally included in a group of healthy older adults, and five of which in a group of people with PD. All studies showed that significant changes were showed on people with PD and healthy older adults’ brain activity after three terms of the exercises we chose. An inverse change trend on the functional connectivity in people with PD was observed after treadmill training, whereas increased brain activity, cognitive function, memory, and emotion were noticed in healthy older adults.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that different patterns of brain activity were also observed between healthy older adults and people with PD after treadmill training. However, more robust evidence and comprehensive studies are needed to determine if there is a difference between healthy older adults and people with PD.

Management of psychiatric and cognitive complications in Parkinson's disease

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) such as affective disorders, psychosis, behavioral changes, and cognitive impairment are common in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, NPSs remain under-recognized and under-treated, often leading to adverse outcomes. Their epidemiology, presentation, risk factors, neural substrate, and management strategies are incompletely understood. While psychological and psychosocial factors may contribute, hallmark PD neuropathophysiological changes, plus the associations between exposure to dopaminergic medications and occurrence of some symptoms, suggest a neurobiological basis for many NPSs. A range of psychotropic medications, psychotherapeutic techniques, stimulation therapies, and other non-pharmacological treatments have been studied, are used clinically, and are beneficial for managing NPSs in PD. Appropriate management of NPSs is critical for comprehensive PD care, from recognizing their presentations and timing throughout the disease course, to the incorporation of different therapeutic strategies (ie, pharmacological and non-pharmacological) that utilize a multidisciplinary approach.

Effects of a Resistance Training Protocol on Physical Performance, Body Composition, Bone Metabolism, and Systemic Homeostasis in Patients Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments and it is correlated with loss of bone mineral density. This study aimed to analyze the effects of resistance training on bone metabolism, systemic homeostasis, body composition, and physical performance in people with PD. Thirteen subjects (age 64.83 ± 5.70) with PD diagnosis were recruited. Participants performed neuromuscular tests, body composition assessment, and blood sample analysis at baseline, and after an 11 weeks-training period. Each training session lasted 90 min, three times a week. The participants had significant improvements in the timed up and go (p < 0.01), sit to stand (p < 0.01), dominant peg-board (p < 0.05), dominant foot-reaction time (p < 0.01), and functional reach tests (p < 0.05). They showed better pressure foot distributions in the left forefoot (p < 0.05) and hindfoot (p < 0.05) and increased cervical right lateral bending angle (p < 0.05). The protocol affects bone metabolism markers osteocalcin (p < 0.05), calcium (p < 0.01), PTH (p < 0.01), the C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) (p < 0.01), and vitamin D (p < 0.05). Eleven weeks of resistance training improved manual dexterity, static and dynamic balance, reaction time, cervical ROM, and reduced bone loss in people with PD.

Effect of Long-term Exercise Therapy on Motor Symptoms in Parkinson Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study were to assess the effectiveness of long-term exercise therapy (≥12 wks) for patients with Parkinson disease and to derive specific suggestions on how the motor symptom improvements can be optimized by exercise type and exercise dose.

DESIGN

The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register, Embase, Scopus, and CNKI databases were searched up to January 2021 for randomized controlled trials focusing on the effects of long-term exercise for Parkinson disease. Two researchers independently evaluated the quality of papers using the PEDro scale. Twenty-six studies with a total of 1243 participants were included.

RESULTS

Tai Chi, resistance training, and dance provide significant improvements in physical function and functional mobility. Furthermore, Tai Chi and dance result in balance benefits. However, walking capacity outcomes did not improve after Tai Chi and resistance training but did improve after dance. With an increase in the intervention duration or length of each session, the effect sizes of exercise on these outcomes increased; higher benefits of exercise on these outcomes were observed at a frequency of 2 times/wk.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term exercise therapy is an effective treatment for improving motor symptoms, with dance being an ideal exercise choice.

TO CLAIM CME CREDITS

Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME.

CME OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Recognize that long-term exercise slows clinical progression of motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson disease; (2) Acquire knowledge regarding the effectiveness of long-term exercise therapy on motor symptoms in Parkinson disease; and (3) Incorporate specific suggestions on dose-response relationships of different exercise therapy on motor symptoms in Parkinson disease.

LEVEL

Advanced.

ACCREDITATION

The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Rhythmic cueing, dance, resistance training, and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize evidence associated with the functional and clinical effectiveness of rhythmic cueing, dance, or resistance training (RT) on motor and non-motor parameters in Parkinson's Disease patients, and to provide a comparative perspective not offered by existing systematic reviews.

Methodology

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies retained no restrictions in methodological design and included interventions of rhythmic cueing, dance, RT, and measurements of motor and non-motor parameters. Animal studies, reviews, editorials, conferences, magazines, and gray literature articles were excluded. Two independent investigators searched Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus from the date of their inception until 1 June 2021. The ROBINS-I tool was employed for the non-randomized controlled trials, and the updated for Risk of Bias 2 tool of Cochrane Library used for randomized controlled trials. For meta-analyses, the RevMan 5.4.13 software was used. For incompatible meta-analysis studies, a narrative data synthesis was conducted.

Results

A total of 49 studies included in the systematic review involving 3767 PD participants. Meta-analyses revealed that rhythmic cueing training assists gait velocity (p = 0.01), stride length (p = 0.01), and motor symptoms (p = 0.03). Similarly, dance training benefits stride length (p = 0.05), lower extremity function-TUG (p = 0.01), and motor symptoms (p = 0.01), whilst RT improves lower extremity function-TUG (p = 0.01), quality of life (p = 0.01), knee flexion (p = 0.02), and leg press (p = 0.01). Subgroup analyses have shown non-significant differences in gait velocity (p = 0.26), stride length (p = 0.80), functional mobility-TUG (p = 0.74), motor symptoms-UPDRS-III (p = 0.46), and quality of life-PDQ39 (p = 0.44).

Conclusion

Rhythmic cueing, dance, or RT positively affect the examined outcomes, with rhythmic cueing to be associated with three outcomes (Gait, Stride, and UPDRS-III), dance with three outcomes (TUG, Stride, and UPDRS-III), and RT with two outcomes (TUG and PDQ-39). Subgroup analyses confirmed the beneficial effects of these forms of exercise. Clinicians should entertain the idea of more holistic exercise protocols aiming at improving PD manifestations.International Prospective Register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (registration number: CRD42020212380).

Effectiveness of aerobic and resistance training on the motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: Systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background/objectives

Aerobic and resistance training are common complementary therapies to improve motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease (PD), and there is still a lack of advice on which intensity and period of aerobic or resistance training is more appropriate for people with PD. Therefore, a network meta-analysis was conducted to assess the comparative efficacy of aerobic and resistance training of different intensities and cycles on motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Methods

Based on several biomedical databases, a search strategy system was conducted to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) without language restrictions. A network meta-analysis with a frequentist approach was conducted to estimate the efficacy and probability rankings of aerobic and resistance training on Parkinson's patients. What's more, a range of analyses and assessments, such as routine meta-analyses and risk of bias, were performed as well.

Results

Twenty trials with 719 patients evaluating 18 different therapies were identified. Through the Unified Parkinson's Disease Motor Rating Scale, (UPDRS III); 6-minute walk test, (6MWT); 10-meter walk test, (TWM); and time up and go (TUG) and Quality of Life Scale-39 (PDQ-39), to explore the effects of different intensity resistance and aerobic exercise on PD. As a result, short period high intensity resistance movement (standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.68 to -0.22) had significantly decreased the Unified Parkinson's Disease Motor Rating Scale (UPDRS III). Short period high intensity resistance exercise showed similar superiority in other indices; also, aerobic and resistance training of different cycle intensities produced some efficacy in PD patients, both in direct and indirect comparisons.

Conclusion

For patients with moderate to mild Parkinson's symptoms, short periods high intensity resistance training may provide complementary therapy for PD, and aerobic or resistance training of varying intensity and periodicity may be recommended as exercise prescription for PD patients. However, more large scale and high quality clinical trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this exercise therapy in the future.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022324824.

Effect of Physical Activity on Depression in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and approximately 50% of PD patients suffer from depression. We aim to determine the effects of physical activity on depression in PD patients and to provide scientific evidence-based exercise prescriptions for PD patients. A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsycInfo until February 2022 for randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies published in English. The primary outcome was a score on a depression scale. A total of 14 RCTs involving 516 patients with PD were included in this study. The results of the meta-analysis showed that physical activity had a moderate and significant improvement in depression in PD patients (SMD = −0.60; 95% CI = −0.79 to −0.41; p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis indicated that resistance exercise for 60−90 min more than 4 times per week for up to 12 weeks had a significant effect on PD patients who have had the disease for more than 5 years. Meta-regression showed that intervention type, intervention time, intervention frequency, intervention period, age, and disease duration were not sources of heterogeneity. Physical activity may reduce depression in PD patients. However, other larger sample sizes and high-quality studies are needed to validate these effects in the future.

Effects of Ten Different Exercise Interventions on Motor Function in Parkinson’s Disease Patients—A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate ten exercise interventions (YOGA: yoga training, RT: resistance training, AQU: aquatic training, TAI: Taiji Qigong training, TRD: treadmill training, VR: virtual reality training, DANCE: musical dance training, WKT: walking training, CYC: cycling training, BDJ: Baduanjin Qigong training) on motor function in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Design: Through searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI, only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected to study the effects of the ten exercise interventions on motor function in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality by the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool. Results: The RCTs were collected between the earliest available date and April 2022. Sixty RCTs were included and the total sample size used in the study was 2859. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that DANCE can significantly improve patients’ Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (SUCRA = 78.4%); DANCE can significantly decline patients’ Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale score (UPDRS) (SUCRA = 72.3%) and YOGA can significantly decline patients’ Timed-Up-and-Go score (TUGT) (SUCRA = 78.0%). Conclusion: Based on the network meta-analysis and SUCRA ranking, we can state that dance, yoga, virtual reality training and resistance training offers better advantages than other exercise interventions for patients’ motor function.

Parkinson's disease and intensive exercise therapy - An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

In 2015, Uhrbrand et al. published the first review on Parkinson´s disease (PD) and exercise entirely based on randomized controlled trials (RCT) applying strict exercise definitions. The present review aimed to update the PD literature by assessing the effects of different intensive exercise modalities: resistance training (RT), endurance training (ET), and other intensive exercise modalities (OITM). An updated systematic literature search identified 33 new RCTs. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. A total of 18 RT, 14 ET, and 1 OITM studies were identified (adding to the 8 RT, 6 ET, and 4 OITM studies identified by Uhrbrand et al. in 2015). RT, ET, and OITM were feasible, safe, and did not worsen PD symptoms. Furthermore, RT, ET, and OITM may positively affect functional outcomes (e.g., balance) and depressive symptoms in PD but inconsistencies across these findings warrant cautious conclusions. Meta-analyses showed that RT had a positive impact on muscle strength (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.83 [95% CI;0.54, 1.12]), functional capacity (Timed Up and Go Test (TUG): SMD = -0.62 [-1.01, -0.24]), and quality of life (SMD = -0.41 [-0.72, -0.09]), while ET had a positive impact on cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = 0.27 [0.07, 0.47]) and functional capacity (TUG: SMD = -0.21 [-0.46, 0.04], 6-Min Walk Test: SMD = 0.89 [0.17, 1.62]), and a potentially positive impact on "on-medication" UPDRS-III (SMD = -0.15 [-0.38, 0.09]) and "off-medication" UPDRS-III (SMD = -0.19 [-0.41, 0.04]). In conclusion, RT, ET, and OITM all represent safe, feasible, and beneficial adjunct rehabilitation strategies in PD, with particularly RT and ET showing solid effects.

Effects of Resistance Training on Motor- and Non-Motor Symptoms in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous reviews indicated positive effects of resistance training (RT) on motor outcomes in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, inconsistencies between the included studies exist, and non-motor outcomes have only scarcely been considered in a review on RT in PD.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the RT effects on motor- and non-motor outcomes in PD patients compared to passive and physically active control groups (i.e., other structured physical interventions).

METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for randomized controlled trials of RT in PD. After identifying 18 studies, a meta-analysis was conducted for the outcomes muscle strength, motor impairment, freezing of gait (FoG), mobility and balance, quality of life (QoL), depression, cognition, and adverse events. Meta-analyses with random models were calculated using mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

When comparing RT with passive control groups, the meta-analyses showed significant large effects on muscle strength (SMD = -0.84, 95% CI -1.29--0.39, p = 0.0003), motor impairment (SMD = -0.81, 95% CI -1.34--0.27, p = 0.003), mobility and balance (MD = -1.81, 95% CI -3.13--0.49, p = 0.007), and small significant effects on QoL (SMD = -0.48, 95% CI -0.86--0.10, p = 0.01). RT compared with physically active control groups reached no significant results for any outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

RT improves muscle strength, motor impairment, mobility and balance, QoL, and depression in PD patients. However, it is not superior to other physically active interventions. Therefore, exercise is important for PD patients but according to this analysis, its type is of secondary interest.

Physical Therapist Management of Parkinson Disease: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association

A clinical practice guideline on Parkinson disease was developed by an American Physical Therapy Association volunteer guideline development group that consisted of physical therapists and a neurologist. The guideline was based on systematic reviews of current scientific and clinical information and accepted approaches for management of Parkinson disease. The Spanish version of this clinical practice guideline is available as a supplement (Suppl. Appendix 1).

Effect of aerobic exercise on functional capacity and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of aerobic exercise (AE) on functional capacity and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) in the mild to moderate stages.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs and PEDro were searched from inception until January 2021 using the MeSH terms.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies conducted in individuals with PD involving AE compared to a control group were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Characteristics of the studies were independently extracted by two reviewers. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality, and the level of evidence was analyzed and synthesized using the GRADE approach.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of the ten studies, 411 individuals with PD were included. The level of synthesized evidence for cardiorespiratory function was low and without effect, and very low and without effect. For gait was very low and with effect for speed and stride length and without effect for cadence. For mobility was very low and with effect. For muscle strength was very low and with effect for the lower limbs as well as without effect for the upper limbs. For postural balance was very low and without effect. For quality of life was low and without effect.

CONCLUSION

Aerobic exercise was capable of promoting improvements in gait (walking speed and stride length), mobility, and lower limb muscle strength in individuals with PD in the mild to moderate stages. No significant improvement in quality of life was found due to the practice of AE.

Characteristics of Physical Exercise Programs for Older Adults in Latin America: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

AIM

To characterize physical exercise programs for older adults in Latin America.

METHODS

This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. A search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between the years 2015 and 2020 was performed in the Scopus, MedLine and SciELO databases.

RESULTS

A total of 101 RCTs were included. A large percentage of the studies had an unclear risk of bias in the items: selection, performance, detection and attribution. Furthermore, a heterogeneous level of compliance was observed in the CERT items. A total sample of 5013 older adults (79% women) was included. 97% of the studies included older adults between 60-70 years, presenting an adherence to the interventions of 86%. The studies were mainly carried out in older adults with cardiometabolic diseases. Only 44% of the studies detailed information regarding the place of intervention; of these studies, 61% developed their interventions in university facilities. The interventions were mainly based on therapeutic physical exercise (89% of the articles), with a duration of 2-6 months (95% of the articles) and a frequency of 2-3 times a week (95% of the articles) with sessions of 30-60 min (94% of the articles) led by sports science professionals (51% of the articles). The components of physical fitness that were exercised the most were muscular strength (77% of the articles) and cardiorespiratory fitness (47% of the articles). Furthermore, only 48% of the studies included a warm-up stage and 34% of the studies included a cool-down stage.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review characterized the physical exercise programs in older adults in Latin America, as well the most frequently used outcome measures and instruments, by summarizing available evidence derived from RCTs. The results will be useful for prescribing future physical exercise programs in older adults.

Effect of Resistance Exercise on Body Structure and Function, Activity, and Participation in Individuals With Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of resistance exercise (RE) on body structure and function, activity, and participation in individuals with Parkinson Disease (PD) in the mild to moderate stages.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs, and PEDro were searched from inception until June 2020 using the terms "Parkinson Disease," "Exercise," "Resistance Training," "Muscle Strength," "Cardiorespiratory Fitness," "Postural Balance," "Gait," and "Quality of Life."

STUDY SELECTION

We included studies conducted in individuals with PD involving RE compared with a control group. Two independent reviewers performed the selection process based on titles, abstracts, and full-text reading. In total, 270 individuals with PD were included from 10 selected studies.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently extracted characteristics related to participants, intervention and control types, and results. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality, and the level of evidence was analyzed and synthesized using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The level of evidence for body structure and function was low and without effect for lower limb muscle strength; very low and with effect for upper limb muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and postural balance; and very low and without effect for flexibility after RE training. For activity, the evidence was very low and with effect for gait and very low and without effect for mobility. For participation (ie, quality of life) the evidence was very low and without effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the level of evidence was low to very low, RE was shown to promote improvements in body structure and function (upper limb muscle strength, cardiovascular function, postural balance) and activity (gait). In contrast, RE did not significantly improve participation (quality of life). However, based on the present findings, the practice of RE can be recommended for individuals with PD in the mild to moderate stages.

The Effects and Mechanisms of Exercise on the Treatment of Depression

Background: It is necessary to seek alternative therapies for depression, because side effects of medications lead to poor adherence and some patients do not achieve a clinical treatment effect. Recently the role of exercise as a low-cost and easy-to-use treatment for depression has gained attention with a number of studies showing that exercise is effective at reducing depressive symptoms and improving body functions such as cardiorespiratory system and cognitive function. Because of the heterogeneity of exercise therapy programs, there is no standardized and unified program. Few studies have summarized the specific properties of exercise programs (type, intensity, duration, and frequency) and clinical prescriptions for exercise are not mentioned in most articles. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of exercise therapy for patients with depression, in order to appraise the evidence and outline accepted guidelines to direct individualized treatment plans for patients with depression based on their individual situations. Methods: A systematic review of English language literature including papers published from 2010 to present in PubMed was performed. Given the feasibility of prescribing exercise therapy for patients with depression, nearly 3 years of clinical studies on the treatments of depressive symptoms with exercise were first reviewed, comparing the exercise programs utilized. Conclusions: Exercise has therapeutic effects on depression in all age groups (mostly 18-65 years old), as a single therapy, an adjuvant therapy, or a combination therapy, and the benefits of exercise therapy are comparable to traditional treatments for depression. Moderate intensity exercise is enough to reduce depressive symptoms, but higher-dose exercise is better for overall functioning. Exercise therapy has become more widely used because of its benefits to the cardiovascular system, emotional state, and systemic functions. Recommendations: Aerobic exercise/mind-body exercise (3-5 sessions per week with moderate intensity lasting for 4-16 weeks) is recommended. Individualized protocols in the form of group exercise with supervision are effective at increasing adherence to treatment.

Lower Limb Resistance Training in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective: Initial randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and recently released systematic reviews have identified resistance training (RT) as a modality to manage motor symptoms and improve physical functioning in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), although the effects are inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted an updated meta-analysis to reassess the evidence of the relationship.

Methods: We performed a systematic search of studies reporting the effects of RT in PD available through major electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang) through 20 July 2020. Eligible RCTs were screened based on established inclusion criteria. We extracted data on the indicators of leg strength, balance, gait capacity, and quality of life (QoL) of lower limbs. Random and fixed effects models were used for the analysis of standard mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: Thirty-one papers from 25 independent trials compromising 1,239 subjects were selected for eligibility in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Summarized data indicated that the leg strength increased statistically significant in PD patients (SMD = 0.79, 95% CI 0.3, 1.27, P = 0.001), the balance capability was improved statistically significant in PD patients (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI 0.01, 0.66, P = 0.04), and QoL statistically significantly improved (MD = −7.22, 95% CI −12.05, −2.39, P = 0.003). For gait performance, four indicators were measured, the results as follows: fast gait velocity (MD = 0.14, 95% CI 0.06, 0.23, P = 0.001), Timed-up-and-go-test (TUG, MD = −1.17, 95% CI −2.27, −0.08, P = 0.04) and Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q, MD = −1.74, 95% CI −3.18, −0.3, P = 0.02) were improved statistically significant across trials, while there were no statistically significant improvement in stride length (MD = −0.05, 95% CI −0.12, 0.02, P = 0.15) in PD patients.

Conclusions: Lower limb RT has positive effects during rehabilitation in individuals with PD in leg strength, QoL, and improve gait performance to a certain extent. RT also could improve balance capacity of patients, although a wide variety of tools were used, and further study is needed to confirm these findings.

Aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise are equivalent to mitigate symptoms of depression in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background: Exercise has been identified as an allied health strategy that can support the management of depression in older adults, yet the relative effectiveness for different exercise modalities is unknown. To meet this gap in knowledge, we present a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the head-to-head effectiveness of aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise to mitigate depressive symptoms in adults aged ≥ 65 years.

Methods: A PRISMA-NMA compliant review was undertaken on RCTs from inception to September 12 ^th, 2019. PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched for eligible RCTs enrolling adults with a mean age ≥ 65 years, comparing one or more exercise intervention arms, and which used valid measures of depressive symptomology. Comparative effectiveness was evaluated using network meta-analysis to combine direct and indirect evidence, controlling for inherent variation in trial control groups.

Results: The systematic review included 82 RCTs, with 69 meeting eligibility for the network meta-analysis ( n = 5,379 participants). Pooled analysis found each exercise type to be effective compared with controls (Hedges’ g = -0.27 to -0.51). Relative head-to-head comparisons were statistically comparable between exercise types: resistance versus aerobic (Hedges’ g = -0.06, PrI = -0.91, 0.79), mind-body versus aerobic (Hedges’ g = -0.12, PrI = -0.95, 0.72), mind-body versus resistance (Hedges’ g = -0.06, PrI = -0.90, 0.79). High levels of compliance were demonstrated for each exercise treatment.

Conclusions: Aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise demonstrate equivalence to mitigate symptoms of depression in older adults aged ≥ 65 years, with comparably encouraging levels of compliance to exercise treatment. These findings coalesce with previous findings in clinically depressed older adults to encourage personal preference when prescribing exercise for depressive symptoms in older adults.

Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018115866 (23/11/2018).

Aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise are equivalent to mitigate symptoms of depression in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background: Exercise has been identified as an allied health strategy that can support the management of depression in older adults, yet the relative effectiveness for different exercise modalities is unknown. To meet this gap in knowledge, we present a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the head-to-head effectiveness of aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise to mitigate depressive symptoms in adults aged ≥ 65 years. Methods: A PRISMA-NMA compliant review was undertaken on RCTs from inception to September 12 th, 2019. PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched for eligible RCTs enrolling adults with a mean age ≥ 65 years, comparing one or more exercise intervention arms, and which used valid measures of depressive symptomology. Comparative effectiveness was evaluated using network meta-analysis to combine direct and indirect evidence, controlling for inherent variation in trial control groups. Results: The systematic review included 82 RCTs, with 69 meeting eligibility for the network meta-analysis ( n = 5,379 participants). Pooled analysis found each exercise type to be effective compared with controls (Hedges' g = -0.27 to -0.51). Relative head-to-head comparisons were statistically comparable between exercise types: resistance versus aerobic (Hedges' g = -0.06, PrI = -0.91, 0.79), mind-body versus aerobic (Hedges' g = -0.12, PrI = -0.95, 0.72), mind-body versus resistance (Hedges' g = -0.06, PrI = -0.90, 0.79). High levels of compliance were demonstrated for each exercise treatment. Conclusions: Aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise demonstrate equivalence to mitigate symptoms of depression in older adults aged ≥ 65 years, with comparably encouraging levels of compliance to exercise treatment. These findings coalesce with previous findings in clinically depressed older adults to encourage personal preference when prescribing exercise for depressive symptoms in older adults. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018115866 (23/11/2018).

Chasing Protection in Parkinson's Disease: Does Exercise Reduce Risk and Progression?

Exercise may be the most commonly offered yet least consistently followed therapeutic advice for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Epidemiological studies of prospectively followed cohorts have shown a lower risk for later developing PD in healthy people who report moderate to high levels of physical activity, and slower rates of motor and non-motor symptom progression in people with PD who report higher baseline physical activity. In animal models of PD, exercise can reduce inflammation, decrease α-synuclein expression, reduce mitochondrial dysfunction, and increase neurotrophic growth factor expression. Randomized controlled trials of exercise in PD have provided clear evidence for short-term benefits on many PD measurements scales, ranging from disease severity to quality of life. In this review, we present these convergent epidemiological and laboratory data with particular attention to translationally relevant features of exercise (e.g., intensity requirements, gender differences, and associated biomarkers). In the context of these findings we will discuss clinical trial experience, design challenges, and emerging opportunities for determining whether exercise can prevent PD or slow its long-term progression.