Can Water Exercise Improve Motor Function in Parkinson's Disease More Than Land Exercise? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Article Title EnCan Water Exercise Improve Motor Function in Parkinson's Disease More Than Land Exercise? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
AuthorsMohammad Seyedahmadi, Ahmad Ebrahimi Atri, Hadi Akbari, Mansour Sahebozamani
JournalPhysiotherapy Research International
Publication Name EnPhysiotherapy Research International
Dor Codehttps://doi.org/10.1002/pri.70088Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Presented byبله
Page Number Toe70088
Serial number30
Volume number3
IF1/7
Paper TypeFull Paper
Published At2025
Journal GradeISI (WOS)
Journal TypeElectronic
Journal CountryUnited States
Journal IndexISI JCR, Scopus
KeywordsACL | anterior cruciate ligament | landing error scoring system | LESS | sex differences

Abstract

Background and Purpose

Research findings on the effects of land-based and water-based exercises on motor performance in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) are conflicting, and despite the known beneficial effects of exercise in these individuals, it is unclear which of these exercise protocols is more beneficial. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of exercise on land and water on the performance of people with PD.

Methods

Randomized controlled clinical trials related to the motor performance of people with PD were identified by searching the Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases and analyzed using CMA v4 software. Of 94 studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight English articles were included in the comprehensive review.

Results

The meta-analysis revealed a significant difference in the motor performance of people with PD between the land- and water-based exercise groups (CI 95%, −0.135 to −0.649; MD = −0.392).

Discussion

Water-based exercises may offer greater improvements in motor performance compared to land-based exercises in individuals with PD. Therefore, in addition to conventional exercises, exercising in water could help enhance the motor function of these people, and therapists can incorporate it into their exercise programs.

Paper URL

Full Paper


File Download Link