This systematic review and meta-analysis looked at how adding cognitive training to standard motor rehabilitation affects people with Parkinson's disease. The researchers combined data from sixteen studies, with eight eligible for the main statistical analysis. Participants received either motor rehabilitation alone or a combination of motor and cognitive treatments. Some groups received these treatments at the same time, while others received them one after the other.
The findings showed that adding cognitive training led to significant improvements in activities of daily living. Patients in the combined treatment groups reported better quality of life when cognitive training was delivered simultaneously with motor exercises. However, the study did not find a clear advantage for functional mobility when combining treatments. Results for mobility showed no significant differences between the combined approach and motor rehabilitation alone.
No safety concerns were reported in the included studies. The evidence comes from a mix of observational and clinical trial data. While the results are promising for daily function and quality of life, the lack of clear mobility benefits suggests that adding cognitive training may not help everyone move better. Readers should understand that this analysis supports the use of combined therapy for daily tasks but does not prove it will improve walking speed for all patients.
