Home›Neurology› Resistance and balance training significantly improve motor symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson's disease
Resistance and balance training significantly improve motor symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson's diseaseExercise Programs Help Manage Movement and Balance for People with Parkinson's
Neurological researchPublished November 3, 2026Study authors: Wang Zhen, Zhu Cunlei, Miao Weiqin, Zhang YunPubMed ↗DOI ↗Editorial oversight: Dr. Ji-eun Park, MD · Brain, Mind & Pain
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Key Takeaway
Consider resistance and balance training to improve motor symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson's disease.
This meta-analysis evaluated the impact of resistance training, balance training, and combined interventions on patients with Parkinson's disease (n=391). The analysis focused on motor symptoms, balance, gait, and various non-motor outcomes including cognitive function and quality of life.
The primary finding indicates that these exercise interventions significantly improved motor symptoms, as measured by the UPDRS-III, with an effect size of SMD = -0.52 (95% CI: -0.68 to -0.36, p < 0.001). Additionally, significant improvements were observed in balance (BBS) and gait function (TUG). The authors also reported benefits in cognitive function (MoCA), depressive symptoms (BDI), and quality of life (PDQ-39).
The authors note that the evidence is preliminary and larger trials are needed to confirm these findings. Clinical application suggests that combined training may be a particularly promising approach for addressing both motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Safety data and specific adverse events were not reported in the analysis.
How this fits prior evidence
This meta-analysis addresses a gap in non-pharmacological management for Parkinson's disease. While prior evidence confirms that Parkinson's disease involves specific deficits in sustained, selective, and divided visuospatial attention, and identifies the right inferior frontal gyrus as a neural correlate for freezing of gait, this study provides evidence that exercise interventions can improve motor symptoms and quality of life. It complements existing knowledge on the multi-faceted nature of the disease by highlighting the efficacy of resistance and balance training.
A large review of studies involving nearly 400 patients shows that specific types of exercise are very helpful. People who participated in resistance training or balance exercises saw clear improvements in their physical movements. These exercises help people move more easily and stay more stable on their feet.
In addition to physical movement, the study found that these exercise programs helped with other parts of daily life. Patients reported better balance and faster walking speeds. They also showed improvements in their thinking skills and felt less sad or depressed during the study period.
Combining strength and balance exercises may be especially helpful for those with Parkinson's. While more large studies are needed to confirm these results, the current evidence suggests that regular exercise is a great way to improve quality of life. It helps patients manage their symptoms and feel better overall.
What this means for you:
Strength and balance training can improve movement, mood, and overall quality of life for people with Parkinson's.
Common questions
What kinds of exercise were studied for Parkinson's disease?
The review looked at resistance training, balance training, or a combination of both. These programs were compared across studies of 391 patients with Parkinson's disease. The authors suggest combined training may be a particularly promising approach, though they say larger trials are needed to confirm the findings.
How much did exercise improve Parkinson's symptoms?
Motor symptoms measured with the UPDRS-III scale improved significantly, with a modest effect size (SMD -0.52, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.36, p < 0.001). The review also reported improvements in balance, walking, thinking, mood, and quality of life, but it did not report effect sizes for those outcomes.
Were there any side effects from exercise training?
The review did not report any information on side effects, serious adverse events, or how many people stopped training. That means this analysis cannot tell you how safe or tolerable these programs were. If you have Parkinson's and are considering exercise, talk with your care team about what is right for you.
Is this evidence strong enough to change treatment?
The authors describe the evidence as preliminary and say larger trials are needed to confirm the findings. The review also did not report funding sources or conflicts of interest. It is an encouraging signal, but it does not prove that exercise causes these improvements. Discuss any exercise plans with your doctor.
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, < 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.
