Effects of Physical-Exercise-Based Rehabilitation Programs on the Quality of Life of Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of physical-exercise-based rehabilitation programs on quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease through a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. For this purpose the following electronic databases were selected: Medline by PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and PEDro. The search strategy included the proposed descriptors in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), associated with a sensitive list of terms to search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), without year and language restrictions. Fourteen studies were potentially relevant, and these studies were included. Physical-exercise-based rehabilitation programs realized 2-4 times a week, 60 min each session, for 6-12 weeks, and follow-up of 3 months promotes significant positive effects on quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients at mild to moderate stages and disease duration around 6 years.